Bunker One Expands LNG Bunkering in Northwest Europe, Challenging Market Leaders

In a significant move for the maritime fuel industry, Bunker One has successfully launched its LNG bunkering operations in key Northwest European ports, including Rotterdam and Hamburg. This strategic expansion, which began in January 2025, marks a new era in the company’s portfolio and poses a direct challenge to Shell’s long-standing dominance in the region’s LNG supply market.

A Timely Entry into a Growing Market

Bunker One’s decision to enter the physical LNG supply market comes at a crucial time for the shipping industry. With increasingly stringent environmental regulations and a growing focus on decarbonization, LNG has emerged as a transitional fuel of choice for many shipowners and operators.

The company’s expansion aligns perfectly with the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which mandates that major ports offer LNG fueling options by 2026. This regulatory push has created a fertile ground for new entrants like Bunker One to establish a strong foothold in the market.

Strategic Positioning and Infrastructure

To support its new LNG bunkering operations, Bunker One has made several key investments:

1. Dedicated LNG Entity: The company established Bunker One LNG BV, a specialized entity to manage its physical LNG fuel portfolio and last-mile delivery operations.
2. Experienced Leadership: Michael Behmerburg, an industry veteran, has been appointed as Managing Director of Bunker One LNG BV, bringing valuable expertise to navigate the complex LNG market.
3. State-of-the-Art Vessel: Bunker One has chartered the 10,000 cbm LNG bunker vessel “Coral Fraseri” from Anthony Veder, enhancing its capability to serve large vessels efficiently.
4. Port Permits: The company is actively securing necessary bunker permits for key ports in Northwest Europe, ensuring a wide operational reach.

Market Impact and Competition

While Shell has long been the dominant player in Northwest Europe, Bunker One’s established presence in traditional marine fuels gives it a unique advantage in cross-selling LNG services to existing customers.

Peter Zachariassen, CEO of Bunker One, emphasized the importance of this move: “We are extremely pleased to be expanding our portfolio with LNG bunkering. This strategic decision positions us to meet the evolving needs of our customers and contribute to the maritime industry’s sustainability goals.”

Environmental Benefits and Future Outlook

The company is also introducing mass-balanced Liquefied Biomethane (LBM), catering to shipowners seeking even lower carbon footprint options. This dual approach allows Bunker One to serve a wide range of customers, from those taking initial steps towards cleaner fuels to early adopters of more advanced low-carbon solutions.

Valerie Ahrens, Senior Director of New Fuels and Carbon Markets at Bunker Holding (Bunker One’s parent company), highlighted the environmental benefits: “Fossil LNG can offer up to 23% in greenhouse gas reductions compared to conventional fuels. We see LNG as a stepping stone to bio-LNG and e-LNG, which will help the industry achieve the mid-century decarbonization targets set by the IMO.”

Challenges and Opportunities

While Bunker One’s expansion into LNG bunkering presents significant opportunities, it also comes with challenges:

1. Infrastructure Development: Ensuring adequate LNG bunkering infrastructure across multiple ports requires substantial investment and coordination with port authorities.
2. Market Volatility: LNG prices have been subject to significant fluctuations, which could impact demand and profitability.
3. Technological Advancements: The rapid development of alternative fuels and propulsion technologies may affect long-term LNG demand.

Despite these challenges, Bunker One remains optimistic about the future of LNG in maritime transportation. The company’s move is seen as a strategic step towards a more diversified and sustainable fuel portfolio, positioning it well for the industry’s ongoing energy transition.

Conclusion

Bunker One’s entry into the Northwest European LNG bunkering market represents a significant shift in the region’s maritime fuel landscape.

As the shipping industry continues its journey towards decarbonization, Bunker One’s expanded offering of both conventional LNG and biomethane options provides shipowners with flexible solutions to meet their environmental targets. This move not only challenges the status quo but also contributes to the broader goal of reducing the maritime sector’s carbon footprint, setting the stage for a more competitive and sustainable future in ship fueling.

Source: Bunker One