Bergen – In the relentless quest to decarbonize global shipping, incremental steps are pivotal. On April 18, 2025, Seatrans Chemical Tankers AS, part of the leading Seatrans Group and a trailblazer in chemical tanker innovation, reached a new milestone by completing the first biofuel bunkering of its flagship vessel, M/T Trans Emerald, at the Port of Rotterdam. More than a routine fuel change, this event signals a strategic evolution in how Seatrans approaches the energy transition — integrating operational readiness, regulatory foresight, and environmental responsibility.
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Collaboration at the Heart of Transition
The successful bunkering was made possible through the outstanding collaboration between Seatrans Chemical Tankers, Stödig Ship Management, Bergen Bunkers, Euro Nordic Rotterdam, and the dedicated crew onboard the vessel. This joint achievement underscores the power of partnership in advancing the maritime sector toward a more sustainable future. The success in this biofuel bunkering stems from a tightly coordinated partnership ecosystem:
- Stödig Ship Management, with its 50+ years of technical management expertise, meticulously prepared the M/T Trans Emerald for fuel compatibility, safety protocols, and engine performance monitoring — ensuring seamless integration of the biofuel blend.
- Bergen Bunkers AS provided the vital ISCC Certified biofuel supply, leveraging its global procurement network and deep market knowledge to secure sustainable fuel that meets strict quality and sustainability criteria.
- Euro Nordic Rotterdam orchestrated the complex logistics and port handling at one of the world’s busiest bunkering hubs, ensuring the operation complied with environmental and safety standards without disruption.
The culmination of these efforts underscores an industry truth: successful decarbonization depends on robust, multi-stakeholder collaboration, spanning from fuel production to shipboard management and port operations.
Seatrans Chemical Tankers — Pioneering Greener Shipping
With more than 50 years of innovation in the global chemical tanker market, Seatrans Chemical Tankers AS has consistently pushed the boundaries of operational excellence and environmental responsibility. From early vessel design breakthroughs — like Teflon-lined cargo tanks and dual-purpose chemical/gas carriers — to embracing fuel innovation, Seatrans continues to lead by example.
This latest achievement is not only a technical success, but a strategic move toward long-term sustainability. It reflects Seatrans’ vision to adapt and evolve through innovation, collaboration, and a firm belief in responsible shipping.
Biofuels: A Practical Step Toward Decarbonization
The use of biofuel as a drop-in solution offers an immediate and practical way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping without requiring major technical modifications to existing vessels. By choosing this path, Seatrans demonstrates leadership in embracing transitional fuels that bridge today’s realities with tomorrow’s decarbonized operations.
This initiative also aligns with the goals of the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which encourages the adoption of cleaner fuels across European waters.
A Step Forward for the Maritime Industry
This successful bunkering reflects a broader movement within the maritime industry toward sustainable operations. With the introduction of biofuels, Seatrans and its partners are demonstrating what is possible when innovation, collaboration, and regulatory alignment come together.
The M/T Trans Emerald’s bunkering in Rotterdam is not just a technical accomplishment—it’s a signal that the future of shipping is being reshaped, one sustainable step at a time.
About Seatrans Chemical Tankers
Seatrans Chemical Tankers AS is part of the Seatrans Group, a fully integrated ship owning and ship management company with a presence in the global shipping market for over 50 years. Known for pioneering shipping innovations, Seatrans was among the first to develop chemical tankers equipped with independent Teflon-lined cargo tanks, custom cargo pumps, and the capability to carry chemical gases like C4s.
The company has also made history by redesigning chemical tankers to handle hydrogen peroxide in bulk, showcasing its dedication to both innovation and safety in chemical shipping. Seatrans operates with a balanced approach between time-charter contracts and spot market operations, managing all commercial activities from its headquarters in Bergen, Norway.
Source Seatrans Chemical Tankers