TFG Marine has urged the bunker industry to accelerate digital adoption as alternative fuels add complexity and financial risk across the marine energy value chain.

Speaking at the ship.energy Middle East Bunkering Convention 2026 in Dubai, the company’s chief financial officer, Bennett J. Pekkattil, said greater transparency supported by digital tools would be essential as the sector adapts to a more diverse fuel landscape.

"Transparency mitigates risk, improves bankability and is critical to supporting both growth and resilience in an increasingly volatile industry," Pekkattil said. "However, achieving this requires a cultural shift across the marine fuels sector. Wider adoption of digital solutions is essential to strengthen trust, support more efficient and resilient operating models, and give financial institutions greater confidence as the industry evolves."

The panel, which focused on reframing the bunker supply business, included representatives from AuctionConnect, StormGeo, Sing Fuels and 129Knots.

According to Pekkattil, diversifying fuel portfolios to include LNG, methanol, and ammonia alongside conventional products will create new challenges for companies across the value chain.

"As fuel portfolios diversify to include LNG, methanol and ammonia alongside conventional products, companies across the value chain will face increased price volatility, higher working capital requirements and greater credit pressure," he said. "With distinct price drivers and differing energy content per tonne, these fuels are reshaping risk profiles and placing new demands on commercial models, risk management frameworks and financing structures, and the industry needs to prepare now for this future demand."

The comments come as the marine fuels sector faces intensifying decarbonisation pressures, with shipowners increasingly turning to new fuel options to meet emissions targets and regulatory requirements.