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.



Molgas Energy logo. Molgas completes acquisition of Prima LNG’s Irish business  

Molgas takes over Prima LNG’s Irish customer portfolio, including a Mondelez manufacturing site, as part of its expansion.

Levante LNG vessel. Peninsula marks three years of LNG bunkering with Levante LNG  

Bunker supplier reports zero claims and CO₂e cuts as LNG bunker vessel completes three years of operations.

Sea Leader FZCO logo. Sea Leader begins physical bunker supply operations in eastern India  

Company completes first bunker delivery after registering with India's shipping authority.

Wega and Deneb vessels render. Auramarine to supply methanol fuel systems for German hydrographic research vessels  

Finnish firm signs deal with Gondan Shipbuilders to equip two new vessels for Germany's maritime agency.

Mitsui-Everllence B&W 6S50ME engine render. Mitsui E&S secures first order for dual-fuel engines from Indian shipyard  

Six LNG-fuelled engines will power chemical tankers built by Swan Defence and Heavy Industries in Gujarat, India.

Jamaica bunkering hub study presentation. Study maps route for Jamaica to become regional hub for alternative marine fuels  

Research identifies Jamaica's location, port traffic and existing LNG infrastructure as foundations for a regional alternative marine fuels hub.

A2B Progress vessel. A2B-online orders two more methanol-fuelled vessels for shortsea network  

Dutch shortsea operator expands newbuild series to four ships, adding methanol propulsion and battery capacity for emission-free port calls.

Höegh Autoliners and BYD Energy Storage cooperation agreement signing. Höegh Autoliners signs battery deal with BYD for ammonia-ready car carrier  

Ro-ro shipper teams up with BYD Energy Storage to combine batteries, solar power and ammonia-ready propulsion on a single car carrier.

Hercules Angelica vessel. Hercules Tanker Management adds new Ultra-Spec tanker to fleet with FAME cargo run  

Hercules Angelica begins maiden voyage carrying FAME from Malaysia to the UK/ARA region.

SHI and Morimura sign MoU. Samsung Heavy Industries and Japan's Morimura to jointly develop solid oxide fuel cells for ships  

Companies target 2028 commercialisation of SOFC technology for merchant vessels and floating data centres.