Ship & Bunker, the DONA ISA, underwent a series of technical modifications before the operation could take place, modifications which were suited to the handling of low-flashpoint fuels.

Bunker One has successfully executed Latin America's inaugural bioethanol bunkering operation for an ocean-going container vessel, supplying the fuel to a CMA CGM boxship at the Port of Santos in Brazil, as reported by Ship & Bunker. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the global marine fuels supplier announced that it had delivered 500,000 litres of anhydrous bioethanol to the CMA CGM Iron, a 13,000-TEU container ship operated by CMA CGM. Copersucar, a Brazilian sugar and bioethanol producer, supplied the bioethanol, while Bunker One conducted the ship-to-ship transfer using its bunker barge DONA ISA.

The first commercial bioethanol bunkering of an oceangoing 

Ship & Bunker reports that this operation represents the first commercial bioethanol bunkering of an oceangoing container ship in the Latin American region. As reported by Ship & Bunker, the DONA ISA underwent a series of technical modifications before the operation could take place. These encompassed the preparation of cargo tanks, the development of novel fuel transfer procedures, emergency response planning, crew training, and the introduction of supplementary safety measures suited to the handling of low-flashpoint fuels.

A significant milestone in the energy transition 

The International Association of Ports and Harbors' IAPH checklist for low-flashpoint fuel operations was adopted by Bunker One, as was a dedicated emergency response plan specifically for the bunkering, according to the report. 
'This operation marks a significant milestone in the energy transition of the global maritime industry, as the sector begins to adopt this new model. Currently, approximately 70 vessels in the global fleet can operate using methanol and, consequently, bioethanol. However, over the next few years, an additional 400 vessels are expected to be delivered from shipyards ready to sail using non-fossil fuels,” said Flavio Ribeiro, chief executive of Bunker One. 

Related: CMA CGM aims to have overtaken Maersk to claim second place by the end of 2027,

About: CMA CGM

CMA CGM is a leading global shipping and logistics group based in Marseille, France, specializing in container transportation, supply chain management, and port operations. Ranking among the largest shipping companies in the world, the company operates a massive fleet of over 650 vessels, serving 420 commercial ports across 160 countries

About: Santos Brasil 

Santos Brasil is a leading Brazilian logistics and port operations company, primarily known for managing Tecon Santos, one of the largest container terminals in Latin America. Headquartered in São Paulo, the company operates nationwide across maritime container terminals, vehicle storage facilities, distribution centers, and customs facilities

About:Copersucar

Copersucar is a Brazilian privately held multinational and one of the world's largest originators and traders of cane sugar and ethanol. Operating as a cooperative and holding company, it connects dozens of partner mills, integrating the entire supply chain from sourcing to global logistics and distribution

About: Bunker One

Bunker One is a global physical marine fuel supplier. Operating as the physical supply unit for Bunker Holding, the world’s largest marine fuels firm, the company provides conventional shipping fuels (such as VLSFO and MGO), lubricants, and alternative greener fuels like biofuels, LNG, methanol, and bioethanol to commercial shipping lines

#Bunker One #Santos Brasil #CMA CGM #IAPH # biofuels #DONA ISA #CMA CGM Iron #Copersucar