PAST THE TRIAL STAGE

The marine biofuels market is becoming more structured, as buyers weigh near-term emissions reductions against questions over feedstock, certification and fuel quality. Recent developments in Rotterdam, Singapore and the wider European market suggest that FAME blends and bio-LNG are increasingly being treated as practical compliance options, although industry confidence still depends on transparent documentation.

Rotterdam’s changing bunker mix

The Port of Rotterdam reported that total bunker sales were approximately 25% lower in the first quarter of 2026 than in the same period of 2025, with the sharpest falls seen in fossil fuel oil grades. VLSFO was down 44%, HSFO 25% and ULSFO 13%, while fossil distillates also declined. The port linked part of the movement to regulatory shifts and changing demand patterns.

At the same time, Rotterdam has reported clear growth in renewable fuel activity. In February, the port said maritime shipping had bunkered more than 1 million m³ of LNG in Rotterdam in 2025 for the first time, including 17,644 m³ of bio-LNG. That represented more than a sixfold increase from 2,775 m³ in 2024. Biomethanol bunkering also increased, reaching 11,819 tonnes in 2025 compared with 3,946 tonnes the year before.

This does not yet mean that bio-LNG or other renewable fuels are displacing conventional bunkers at scale. However, many observers suggest the figures show that alternative marine fuels are moving beyond isolated demonstrations and into more regular bunker planning, particularly where existing infrastructure can be used.

FAME becomes more specialised

Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) remain central to the marine biofuel discussion, particularly in blends such as B24 and B30. However, recent market developments indicate that buyers are now paying closer attention to the origin of the bio-component.

In March, Platts launched Rotterdam B30 Biobunker Advanced FAME assessments. These cover marine fuel blends containing 30% Advanced FAME with either very low sulphur fuel oil or marine gasoil. Platts said the launch followed Dutch legislative changes affecting feedstock eligibility under Renewable Energy Directive rules, while noting that UCOME-based biobunkers remain relevant for other regimes, including FuelEU Maritime.