Monjasa Completes First ISCC-Certified Biofuel Supply Operation in Panama

Marine fuels supplier Monjasa has made history by completing the first ISCC-certified biofuel supply operation in Panama. This milestone marks the establishment of a scalable 2nd generation marine biofuels supply chain.

On February 2, the 19,991 dwt bunker vessel Monjasa Thunder carried out a ship-to-ship operation in the Port of Cristobal, supplying the 2008-built vehicle carrier Heastia Leader, operated by NYK Line, with 9,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified B30 biofuel. This biofuel blend consisted of 30% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and 70% very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

The successful biofuel bunkering operation in Panama signifies the launch of a scalable supply chain capable of delivering 5,000-7,000 metric tons monthly. Monjasa has already established biofuel partnerships in several ports across the Americas, including Callao in Peru and Cartagena, Colombia.

Jonas Bruslund, Monjasa’s General Manager for Latin America, expressed optimism about the future of biofuels in Panama, stating, “The Panama Canal Authority has a strong agenda to promote low-carbon fuels and higher energy efficiency. We are pleased to challenge the status quo and actively support these efforts by introducing biofuels in the region.”

In alignment with Panama’s commitment to decarbonization, the Panama Canal Authority announced the NetZero Slot initiative on March 24, 2025. This program prioritizes vessels running on low-carbon fuels and equipped with energy-efficient technologies. Starting in October 2025, qualifying ships will receive expedited transit, encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly practices in the shipping industry.