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.



Closing ceremony of vessel with builder’s hull no. 0315874. LNG dual-fuel crude tanker handed over to Capital  

Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding delivers the 155,500-DWT LNG dual-fuel crude oil vessel Amor.

Lowina Lundstrom, Gasum. Gasum names Lowina Lundström as vice president, biogas  

Former EIT InnoEnergy executive joins Gasum's management team to lead biogas business development from 1 December.

PIL and Huanghai Shipbuilding contract signing. PIL orders seven methanol-ready feeder vessels from Huanghai Shipbuilding  

Singapore carrier's 1,400-TEU newbuilds will boost intra-Asia capacity and support its 2050 net zero target.

MPA and Qingdao Port work plan signing ceremony. Singapore and Qingdao sign work plan to advance green and digital shipping corridors  

MPA and Shandong Port Group’s Qingdao Port have agreed to pursue methanol bunkering pilots and data-sharing initiatives between the two ports.

Delfin Midstream FLNG unit render. Wärtsilä to supply dual-fuel engines and thrusters for Delfin Midstream's FLNG vessel  

Finnish technology group lands propulsion order for first floating LNG vessel built for US Gulf export project.

Uni-Fuels Logo. Uni-Fuels advertises for senior bunker trader in Dubai  

Nasdaq-listed firm recruiting for its trading team as it aims to drive growth.

Mineral Europa vessel. Green ammonia bunkered to ammonia-powered bulk carrier in Australian first  

Pilbara Ports, Fortescue and CMB.Tech complete a ship-to-ship ammonia transfer at Port Hedland, supporting plans for a clean fuel bunkering hub in the region.

Sea Change II vessel render. US Coast Guard agrees design framework for hydrogen-fuelled New York ferry  

Switch Maritime and Incat Crowther reach regulatory agreement for a 150-passenger hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast ferry intended for New York's waterways.

Auto Advance vessel. UECC fits WE Tech hybrid power systems on newbuild ro-ro vessels  

Norwegian short-sea operator says battery and shaft generator technology from WE Tech Solutions has cut fuel use and auxiliary engine reliance on three newbuilds.

Terra Clove vessel. Envision's green ammonia used to bunker world's first VLAC  

Chinese energy group supplies vessel owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping as it links production and marine fuel supply chains.