TotalEnergies recently achieved a first by supplying Singapore with a marine biofuel made from 100% used cooking oil, known as Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME).
This operation marks a significant step forward for the company in its strategy to expand the supply of low-carbon alternative fuels in a rapidly changing market.
Singapore, as one of the world’s busiest ports, represents a key market for this type of fuel.
On August 5, 2024, a Hyundai Glovis vehicle-carrying vessel became the first to be fuelled with this biofuel.
Loading was carried out via a specialized tanker owned by Singapore-based Global Energy Group.
This biofuel is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% to 90% over the product’s entire life cycle, in line with certifications issued by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC).
The challenges of the energy transition in maritime transport
The introduction of UCOME to the Singaporean market is part of a wider trend towards cleaner fuels within the marine industry.
With demand for marine biofuels expected to double by 2025 in Singapore, to nearly one million metric tons, industry players are increasingly turning to these alternatives to meet new environmental regulations.
By 2023, the total volume of marine fuels consumed in Singapore reached 51.8 million metric tons, underlining the scale of the region’s energy needs.
The move towards alternative fuels is driven by increasing regulatory constraints imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is pushing the industry to reduce its sulfur and CO2 emissions.
By offering this certified biofuel, TotalEnergies is responding directly to these requirements, while reinforcing its role as a leader in the sustainable energy sector.
