The maritime industry faces a dilemma. On the one hand, there is the need to switch from conventional bunker fuels to cleaner, greener alternatives. But on the other, there are issues to be overcome along the road to transition.
Ship owners and operators face a complex puzzle as the desire to switch becomes an imperative due to increasingly strict regulations surrounding carbon emissions.
As they consider their options, they need partners that can help identify the right cleaner fuel for them and address any problems they might encounter.
Right now, the main concerns are simple: price and availability.
Shipping players need a partner that is more than just a conventional bunker fuels supplier. One that has made a commitment to alternative fuels, has an extensive global network of trusted suppliers, and understands the financial and operational concerns of vessel owners and operators.
Alternative fuels are currently more expensive than their fossil fuel-based counterparts. Many alternative options are still scaling up production for widespread adoption and so, for now, supplies remain limited. In the current climate, many owners and operators are hesitant to commit until prices stabilise, supplies become more plentiful and supply chains mature.
Problem solving
The GAC Bunker Fuels team understands the dilemma. That’s why we are still offering traditional bunker fuels alongside alternatives, whilst exploring and promoting more sustainable options. And where our customers are willing to trial greener fuels, we are at hand to help find ways to overcome obstacles.
In a recent project in northern Scotland, we helped an offshore survey vessel transition from Marine Gasoil to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Our customer wanted a greener option to become one of the leading sustainable operators in the area. Trials with HVO found no operational difference compared to MGO and a bonus of less CO2 emissions.
But there was a problem. Their vessel regularly operates in remote areas where traditional resupplies by truck are simply not feasible. We tackled that by developing a mobile bowser (a kind of tanker vehicle), tailored to our customer’s need, for easier access to the vessel wherever and whenever it need to refuel. And now, our customer is spearheading the use of HVO in offshore projects in Scotland and the North Sea.
More than a trader
Such problem and solution scenarios are the way we work with our clients to bring about real change with practical actions.
GAC Bunker Fuels wants to make our clients’ transition from traditional bunker fuels to greener alternatives as simple as possible.
We aim to help our customers make informed decisions for the best strategy for them and their vessels. In doing so, we consider the operational aspects, where our clients trade and what regions their vessels regularly travel through.
It’s not about a quick sell, but acting as a long-term partner in our customers’ decarbonisation journey.
GAC Bunker Fuels continues to see a significant interest in cleaner fuels, and we are doing our part to guide and support our clients in deciding is best for them. By trialing new fuel types with vessel owners and operators, we can help demonstrate what cleaner options can work for them as part of their day-to-day operations.
