Biofuel Bunker Snapshot: B30 prices gain in Rotterdam and Singapore

The bunker market for sustainable fuels is witnessing notable volatility as Rotterdam’s B30-VLSFO (POMEME) prices climbed by $28/mt since Monday, while conventional VLSFO prices remained flat. According to data from Prima Markets, the POMEME barge price also saw a marginal increase of $4/mt. This divergence highlights the growing premium on biofuel blends as shipping companies operating out of major hubs like Rotterdam and Singapore adjust their procurement strategies to meet evolving environmental benchmarks in the global maritime sector.

This price shift occurs against the backdrop of MARPOL Annex VI, which mandates strict limits on sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides emissions. As the industry transitions toward decarbonization, compliance with the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) has become critical for fleet operations. Classification societies are increasingly monitoring fuel quality and compatibility under these regulations. For compliance departments, the fluctuating cost of B30 blends necessitates precise fuel management plans to ensure that vessels maintain operational efficiency without violating international environmental standards.

Chief engineers and second engineers must remain vigilant regarding the operational challenges of switching to biofuel blends, including potential fuel degradation and filter clogging. These officers need to prioritize rigorous fuel testing and monitoring of engine performance parameters when bunkering B30. Understanding the specific heating requirements and storage limitations of POMEME-based fuels is essential to prevent machinery failure and ensure that the vessel remains fully compliant with both charterer requirements and international emission regulations.