Glander International Bunkering and Cepsa Partner for Biofuel Supply to Mediterranean Cruise Lines

Cepsa has successfully delivered four shipments of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel through Glander International Bunkering to a cruise ship at the Port of Barcelona since late June this year. This second-generation biofuel is derived from ISCC EU certified raw materials, offering the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% over its entire life cycle compared to traditional fuels. This collaboration highlights the synergy between Cepsa's capacity to consistently supply biofuels to the cruise sector at various Spanish ports and Glander International Bunkering’s extensive network of marine customers seeking lower carbon fuel options. Such partnerships exemplify how joint efforts can promote and facilitate the shipping industry's decarbonization.

Samir Fernández, Director of Marine Fuel Solutions at Cepsa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are thrilled to partner with Glander International Bunkering in its journey towards sustainability with these second-generation biofuels for the cruise industry. By supplying the wider cruise industry with HVO or biodiesel, we are supporting industry efforts towards sustainable cruising and reinforcing the Port of Barcelona's role as a leading sustainable hub in the energy transition."

Both companies have engaged in direct discussions about last-mile delivery logistics for cruise ships, with Bunker Holding’s Green Center of Excellence playing a pivotal role in nurturing this partnership. Valerie Ahrens, Senior Director of New Fuels and Carbon Markets at Bunker Holding, noted, “Our partnership with Cepsa is a result of our diligent work to form alliances with strong suppliers of low-carbon fuels. We have recently focused on developing strategic partnerships to facilitate the decarbonization of the shipping industry. Interest in biofuels is on the rise, and with around 30 of our offices now ISCC-certified, we have expanded our biofuel sales and availability to over 120 ports globally.”

The shipping industry is experiencing an increasing demand for lower carbon fuels, driven by various regulations, including the International Maritime Organization’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (IMO CII) requirements, the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations, which will come into effect in 2025. Furthermore, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is actively working to ensure the sector has adequate access to low-carbon fuels to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. This alignment of interests among stakeholders in the maritime sector underscores the critical importance of sustainable fuel solutions for the future of shipping.

Cepsa is a prominent international company dedicated to sustainable mobility and energy, backed by extensive technical expertise. With nearly 90 years of experience, Cepsa is supported by shareholders Mubadala Investment Company Group and The Carlyle Group.