UK bunker tanker cleared to carry B100 in industry milestone

A conventional bunker tanker operated by UK-based John H. Whitaker (Tankers) has received Lloyd’s Register chemical certification to load and carry 100% FAME-based biofuel (B100) onboard.

IMAGE: John H. Whitaker (Tankers)-operated bunker tanker, Whitchampion. Whitaker Tankers

The certification allows the vessel, Whitchampion, to carry biofuel blends up to B100 under the International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) and MARPOL Annex II regulations within UK coastal waters, LR said.

This marks a first in the industry, according to the classification society.

The operation is authorised under an agreement between the Isle of Man Flag and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UKMCA).

Currently, IMO regulations limit conventional bunker tankers – classed as Type I – to carry biofuel blends up to B30 (30% bio-component). Higher blends (B30–B100) must be transported by Type II chemical tankers.

LR explained that this is because conventional bunker tankers are currently certified under MARPOL Annex I, while blends beyond B30 fall under the scope of the IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II.

“That regulation has, in effect, frozen out a significant portion of the conventional bunker tanker fleet from supporting mid-to-high-range biofuel blending,” it added.

“Whitaker’s Whitchampion is the first LR-classed vessel to bridge that gap,” LR noted.

According to LR, the certification process involved outlining risk mitigation measures in line with the IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II, which enabled the flag state to issue waivers.

This allowed the vessel to carry higher biofuel blends without modifications to convert it to a chemical tanker.

“This certification demonstrates a credible and commercially viable route for existing bunker tankers to participate in the energy transition,” Tim Wilson, principal specialist fuels and emissions at LR said.

“It sets a clear blueprint for others to follow, enabling owners to consider the possibility of adapting existing bunker tankers for sustainable fuel delivery without resorting to prohibitively expensive conversions or replacement with a chemical tanker,” he added.

LR added that a second Whitaker tanker, Whitchallenger, is also expected to get this certification later this year.

By Konica Bhatt

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