Wed 29 Jan 2025, 20:19 GMT | Updated: Wed 29 Jan 2025, 20:21 GMT

Petrobras secures ISCC EU RED certification for B24 biofuel blend at Rio Grande


Blend consisting of 24% FAME is said to have been rigorously tested to meet international standards.


Terminal Aquaviário de Rio Grande (TERIG), operated by Transpetro.
VLS B24 has been introduced by Petrobras at the Terminal Aquaviário de Rio Grande (TERIG). The terminal (pictured), operated by Transpetro, is primarily involved in the transportation of petroleum products. Image credit: Transpetro

Petrobras has announced that it has received the ISCC EU RED certification for its new bunker fuel product, VLS B24, which is blended and commercialised at its TERIG terminal in the Port of Rio Grande, Brazil. This certification acknowledges the sustainable content within the fuel, marking a step towards greener maritime operations for the firm.

The VLS B24 product is composed of 76% mineral bunker oil and 24% biodiesel, specifically Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME). According to Petrobras, the biodiesel component complies with rigorous sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction criteria set forth by the European Renewable Energy Directive, thus validating its environmental credentials. The blend also meets the international specification ISO 8217:2024, aligning with the ISO-F-RF category.

Furthermore, Petrobras says its VLS B24 fuel adheres to the standards outlined in ANP Brazilian Resolution N° 920 of 2023, which are at least as stringent as the ASTM D6751 standard for biodiesel fuel blendstock (B100) used for middle distillate fuels. This would ensure that the fuel not only meets renewable energy requirements but also maintains high-quality performance for various maritime operations.

Designed to be a drop-in solution, VLS B24 can be utilised in the main engines of medium and large vessels, auxiliary power generation systems, emergency systems, and boilers without any operational restrictions. The product is said to have undergone extensive testing and approval processes to ensure it supports the maritime industry's decarbonisation efforts effectively.



Maya Cosulich vessel at the Port of Ceuta during welcome ceremony. Vilma Oil Med deploys methanol-capable bunker tanker at Ceuta  

Maya Cosulich can carry methanol and biofuels, features dual-fuel capability and mass flow meter technology.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, Lloyd's Register. Anemoi Marine Technologies appoints Lloyd’s Register technical director to oversight committee  

Claudene Sharp-Patel brings maritime operational expertise to guide wind-assisted propulsion development.

Yanmar hydrogen engine test facility render. Yanmar to build hydrogen engine test facility in Japan by 2029  

Japanese engine manufacturer acquires land for new factory to develop next-generation marine fuel technologies.

M/T Aristotelis II vessel. Capital Ship Management takes delivery of LNG-ready VLCC from Chinese yard  

The 307,000-dwt Aristotelis II features energy-saving devices and scrubber technology.

Anthi S Tsigkou, Flex Commodities. FLEX Commodities appoints Anthi S Tsigkou as general counsel  

Dubai-based trader brings in maritime law specialist with more than 15 years of industry experience.

RINA logo. RINA releases white paper on low-carbon fuels for maritime and aviation decarbonisation  

Classification society examines biofuels, hydrogen and e-fuels as regulatory frameworks accelerate compliance timelines.

Rob Mortimer, CEO of FuelRe4m. Fuelre4m fuel treatment achieves 8.7% consumption cut in Voyage Marine engine trial  

Re4mx Diesel product also delivered 5% bollard pull increase in 12-hour test on twin-engine vessel.

LPC and Gram Marine launch operations in Argentina graphic. Gram Marine delivers first marine lubricants in San Lorenzo  

Operation follows recent strategic partnerships with LPC and Servi Río.

Halten Bulk wind-assisted vessel render. Halten Bulk orders wind-assisted bulk carriers with rotor sails from Chinese yard  

Norwegian operator contracts two vessels with options for two more at SOHO Marine.

IBIA and Baltic Exchange logo side by side. IBIA introduces enhanced KYC framework for membership applications  

Trade association to use Baltic Exchange platform for sanctions screening and company verification.





 Recommended