United European Car Carriers (UECC) and Titan Clean Fuels are set to make waves in sustainable maritime operations with a pioneering initiative at the Port of Zeebrugge. This July, Titan will conduct bunkering operations for UECC’s LNG dual fuel car carriers using ISCC-EU certified mass balanced LBM, commonly known as bio-LNG.
Under UECC’s ‘Green Gas Month’, these pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) will exclusively utilize 100% LBM, marking a significant step in their ‘Sail for Change’ sustainability program. Three vessels will further enhance their environmental credentials with battery hybrid technology.
The use of biomethane as a waste feedstock promises substantial reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. UECC estimates that during ‘Green Gas Month’ alone, emissions reductions will surpass 8,000 metric tonnes of CO2e from Well-to-Wake.
These emission reductions will be documented in UECC’s CO2 registry, inaugurated in January 2024. This registry ensures transparency and traceability, allowing UECC to transfer environmental benefits to charterers across its supply chain.
Daniel Gent, UECC’s Energy & Sustainability Manager, emphasized the broader impact: “Through biomethane use and our sustainability initiatives, we offer customers a robust platform for advancing their decarbonization goals.”
Tightening environmental regulations, such as the EU Emissions Trading System, are enhancing the commercial appeal of clean shipping. LBM adoption shields UECC and its customers from escalating EU ETS costs.
Titan’s Trader, Flip Dankelman, highlighted the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the Zeebrugge-based bunkering: “Mass balanced LBM via Fluxys’ LNG Terminal aligns with current needs for clean marine fuels, supported by our flexible LNG bunker vessel fleet.”
This collaboration underscores LNG’s role in achieving net-zero emissions in shipping. LBM’s scalability and diverse feedstock options position it uniquely, potentially even achieving net-negative emissions.
Looking ahead, the European Union’s impending FuelEU Maritime regulation will further incentivize renewable fuels like e-methane, set to be enforced from January 2025. This regulation will encompass all emissions for vessels within the EU and half for those with at least one non-EU port call.
The UECC-Titan partnership signifies a pivotal moment in sustainable maritime operations, paving the way for broader industry adoption of clean fuels. As regulatory pressures mount, collaborations like this are essential for meeting ambitious environmental targets.
