Vopak Horizon Fujairah Completes First-Ever Biofuel Bunkering Operation in UAE

Vopak Horizon Fujairah Limited, a UAE-based subsidiary of Dutch energy storage operator Vopak, recently achieved a significant milestone by completing its first-ever biofuel bunkering operation in the country. This development is in line with the company’s commitment to supply cleaner and more eco-friendly fuels in the United Arab Emirates, supporting the nation’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The operation involved the supply of ISCC-certified B24 biofuel, a blend of 24% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). This combination results in significantly reduced sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships, contributing to environmental sustainability. While the specific ships powered up by this biofuel have not been disclosed, the impact of this initiative is expected to be substantial.

Law Say Huat, General Manager of Vopak’s Fujairah subsidiary, emphasized that this achievement marks a significant step in the decarbonization of the supply chain, benefiting both the company and the region as a whole.

Fujairah, located strategically near the Hormuz Strait, one of the busiest maritime passages globally, is the world’s third-largest bunkering port. This positioning has made it a focal point for the development of sustainable marine fuels, including biofuels, in the UAE.

The UAE has been proactive in aligning with international decarbonization initiatives and regulations, such as the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction goals and the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation. These initiatives aim to reduce carbon emissions from vessels significantly by 2050.

Recent Developments in Biofuel Bunkering at Fujairah Port

Over the past few years, several notable biofuel bunkering operations have taken place at the Fujairah port. In December 2023, Swiss energy company Vitol conducted its first biofuel delivery in the UAE, bunkering two ships with B24 VLSFO sourced from Vitol’s refinery.

In the same month, UK’s marine energy solutions provider KPI OceanConnect carried out a 200 metric-ton biofuel bunkering operation in Fujairah, promoting biofuels as a viable alternative for ships calling at the port. The vessels that received the biofuel were bulk carriers owned by India’s ArcelorMittal Shipping.

Furthermore, the UAE government has been actively collaborating with local oil and gas companies like the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to support the country’s energy transition. In January 2025, ADNOC Gas signed a long-term strategic partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), solidifying their commitment to the UAE’s energy transformation through a significant gas sales and purchase agreement valued at $10 billion.