Peninsula’s chemical tanker to supply biofuel in Port of Barcelona

Marine fuel supplier Peninsula has added an IMO II chemical tanker to supply biofuel in the Port of Barcelona.

As disclosed, the vessel Aalborg will be dedicated to sustainable fuel distribution in the Western Mediterranean. Aalborg is capable of supplying 100% biofuels (B100), in contrast to traditional fuel barges that cannot exceed 25% bio component, according to Peninsula.

The chemical tanker supplies fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) produced from vegetable oils. It allows for neutral emissions (depending on the origin of these vegetable oils) thereby reducing a receiving vessel’s carbon footprint. 

“The Aalborg will play a pivotal role in the Port de Barcelona ‘s ongoing commitment to promoting cleaner fuel initiatives across the region,” Peninsula said.

Peninsula is acting on its sustainability commitments and accelerating the adoption of clean energy alternatives. The vessel’s ability to blend multiple bio feedstocks and traditional fuels on board, together with a certificate detailing the bio component percentage, allows shipowners to comply with impending Fuel EU Maritime regulation using the same engine, Peninsula further noted.

“The importance of having a biofuel supply vessel permitted to supply up to 100% bio component, will provide Port of Barcelona users with a solution to decarbonise their activity and to fully comply with EU regulations. The Port of Barcelona, as part of its Energy Transition Plan, is committed to transition and alternative fuels such as LNG, green methanol or green ammonia, as well as biofuels, which will help to reduce the maritime sector’s carbon footprint,” explained Lluís Salvadó, president of the Port of Barcelona.

Alejandro Morales Moreno, Supply Manager at Peninsula, emphasized the collaborative efforts between Peninsula and the Port of Barcelona, highlighting a shared vision for emissions reduction.

“The addition of the Aalborg creates a meaningful, new decarbonisation solution for our customers and we’re grateful to the Port Authority for facilitating its deployment in Barcelona,” he stated.

To remind, the marine fuel supplier recently delivered B30 biofuel to pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) Garnet Leader, owned by Japanese shipping company NYK, in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Peninsula’s barge New York was in charge of ensuring the smooth transportation and delivery of the biofuel to its destination in Zeebrugge.