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.



Eco Levant vessel. X-Press Feeders trials ethanol-methanol blend in Rotterdam  

Container operator tests 10-90 ethanol-methanol fuel mix aboard Eco Levant vessel.

Venture Energy, CSST and CSTC MoU signing. Venture Energy signs green methanol cooperation agreement  

MoU establishes framework for long-term offtake and capacity development in maritime decarbonisation.

Iberdrola España Onshore Power Supply (OPS). Iberdrola España completes shore power installation at the Port of Pasaia  

Spanish utility installs onshore power supply system, enabling docked vessels to use renewable electricity.

Illustratic image of Itochu's newbuild ammonia bunkering vessel, scheduled for delivery in September 2027. Itochu secures approval for ammonia bunkering trials in Singapore  

Japanese trading house to conduct two-year trial following MPA authorisation.

Oceanic Moon alongside Gas Utopia vessel. Safe ammonia bunkering in ports is possible, according to MAGPIE project findings  

EU-funded MAGPIE project validates safety frameworks for ammonia bunkering operations in commercial ports.

RS Onza vessel. Suardiaz Group acquires methanol-capable tanker RS Onza for Moeve operations  

IMO2 chemical tanker to operate in European ports, primarily Spain, for energy company.

Steel-cutting ceremony for vessel with builder's hull no. S1157. Construction begins on 20,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel for GSX Energy  

Chinese shipbuilder starts work on upgraded dual-fuel vessel with enhanced economy and energy efficiency features.

Tiger Fisher vessel alongside Narwhal Fisher vessel. James Fisher dual-fuel tankers named at Chinese yard  

FKAB-designed newbuilds are part of four-vessel FKAB T68 series and include LNG and LBG capability.

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for X52DF-A-1.0 engine. WinGD completes factory testing of ammonia-fuelled engine for LPG carrier  

X52DF-A-1.0 engine tested in China ahead of installation on first of four vessels under construction.

Drift Energy energy-harvesting ship render. RINA awards first approval in principle for energy-harvesting ship  

Drift Energy receives certification for vessel design that generates clean energy at sea.