Wed 29 Jan 2025, 20:19 GMT | Updated: Wed 29 Jan 2025, 20:21 GMT

Petrobras secures ISCC EU RED certification for B24 biofuel blend at Rio Grande


Blend consisting of 24% FAME is said to have been rigorously tested to meet international standards.


Terminal Aquaviário de Rio Grande (TERIG), operated by Transpetro.
VLS B24 has been introduced by Petrobras at the Terminal Aquaviário de Rio Grande (TERIG). The terminal (pictured), operated by Transpetro, is primarily involved in the transportation of petroleum products. Image credit: Transpetro

Petrobras has announced that it has received the ISCC EU RED certification for its new bunker fuel product, VLS B24, which is blended and commercialised at its TERIG terminal in the Port of Rio Grande, Brazil. This certification acknowledges the sustainable content within the fuel, marking a step towards greener maritime operations for the firm.

The VLS B24 product is composed of 76% mineral bunker oil and 24% biodiesel, specifically Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME). According to Petrobras, the biodiesel component complies with rigorous sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction criteria set forth by the European Renewable Energy Directive, thus validating its environmental credentials. The blend also meets the international specification ISO 8217:2024, aligning with the ISO-F-RF category.

Furthermore, Petrobras says its VLS B24 fuel adheres to the standards outlined in ANP Brazilian Resolution N° 920 of 2023, which are at least as stringent as the ASTM D6751 standard for biodiesel fuel blendstock (B100) used for middle distillate fuels. This would ensure that the fuel not only meets renewable energy requirements but also maintains high-quality performance for various maritime operations.

Designed to be a drop-in solution, VLS B24 can be utilised in the main engines of medium and large vessels, auxiliary power generation systems, emergency systems, and boilers without any operational restrictions. The product is said to have undergone extensive testing and approval processes to ensure it supports the maritime industry's decarbonisation efforts effectively.



Heinrich Wegener & Sohn Bunkergesellschaft m.b.H. logo. Heinrich Wegener & Sohn joins Global Ethanol Association  

German family-owned bunker firm joins industry body to support ethanol and methanol adoption.

Keel-laying ceremony of vessel with builder's hull no. CHB2048. Second MSC ultra-large LNG dual-fuel boxship enters dry dock at Zhoushan  

Changhong International's Daishan Base receives 19,000-teu container vessel built for MSC.

175,000-cbm LNG carrier vessel render. Deal signed to build four LNG-fuelled gas carriers  

Quartet of 175,000-cbm LNG vessels destined for Shell charter.

Launching ceremony of MSC Leticia X vessel. Changhong International launches LNG container ships and tankers for MSC and Navios  

Chinese shipbuilder launches four vessels in the space of days, spanning LNG container ships and oil tankers.

Norsepower and CHIC signing. Norsepower and Cosco unit sign R&D agreement to advance rotor sail development  

Finnish wind propulsion firm and Chinese manufacturer deepen ties with dedicated research and development pact.

Andrés Galnares and Gorka Hermoso, H2SITE. H2SITE closes Series B round above €42m to scale hydrogen membrane technology  

Fresh capital secured as firm targets large-scale industrial deployment and expansion into Asian markets.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) logo. MHI study points to cost reduction potential in India-to-Singapore green ammonia value chain  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries analysis finds value chain optimisation could cut green ammonia costs.

YM Wayfinder naming ceremony. Yang Ming names third LNG dual-fuel boxship for Asia–North Europe service  

YM Wayfinder joins two sister vessels already operating on LNG on the FE3 route.

Milind Homkar, Flex Commodities. Flex Commodities appoints Milind Homkar as trade controller  

Dubai-based trader brings in finance and audit specialist to lead trade control function.

Launching ceremony of Kypros Island vessel. Safe Bulkers launches first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier at Chinese shipyard  

Greek dry bulk operator launches first methanol-powered vessel as part of its fleet renewal programme.