March 11, 2025 [Reuters]- Vopak, a global independent energy storage operator, said on Tuesday that its joint-venture terminal in Fujairah, the United Arab Emirates, supplied its first bio-bunker fuel to a ship, part of its move to supply cleaner fuels as the shipping sector decarbonises.

During the operation, B24 bunker fuel, which comprises 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) with very low sulphur fuel oil, was transferred from the Vopak Horizon Fujairah oil storage terminal, Vopak said in a statement.

consequences for global renewables deployment and energy security. At present, battery storage makes up the lion’s share of the rapidly expanding energy storage sector.

However, this could soon change. The energy storage sector is highly fragmented and competitive, with varied technologies vying to disrupt the market. So far, lithium-ion batteries are dominant, but they have key drawbacks, and are only able to store energy for short periods of time compared to other technologies like gravity storage and pumped hydro.

The fuel is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), it said.

Vopak did not say which companies were involved in this operation due to commercial sensitivity.

Fujairah is the world’s third-largest bunkering port.

Vopak Horizon Fujairah is a joint venture between Royal Vopak , Horizon Terminals, the Government of Fujairah, and Kuwait’s Independent Petroleum Group, according to Vopak’s website.