SOHAR Port has announced that it has become one of the first ports in the Middle East ever to use biofuel bunkering in tugboat operations.
In particular, after receiving its first delivery of biofuel, the bunkering with B20 (a mixture of 80% diesel and 20% biofuel) which began as trial for Tug Sohar is now set to be extended to all tugboats at the port. SOHAR Port is pioneering the use of biofuel and plans to expand the project to include locomotives by next month.
Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port, said: “Marine operation is the main contributor to our greenhouse gas emissions, which has increased relative to the port’s growth through the direct emissions of fuel consumptions in tugboat operations. Implementing biofuel in our marine operation will significantly reduce SOHAR Port’s scope on emissions and keep us firmly on the path to support Oman`s wider environmental vision on the path to net zero. With the help of our partners in this initiative, with whom we could not have achieved such a landmark moment, we have set new environmental standards for the region and beyond.”
Working with SOHAR Port for the first biofuel bunker supply in Oman is a significant move toward emissions reduction and sustainability in the maritime industry. While marine gas oil remains necessary in the short term, gradually increasing biofuel usage will lead to substantial greenhouse gas emissions savings. This transition aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and demonstrates a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future in shipping.
..Sulaiman Alhadhrami, CEO of Hormuz Marine, said.
Biofuel bunkering will contribute to decreasing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions towards an initial target of 17%, in line with Oman’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. Biofuel is a renewable energy derived from organic materials, primarily plant and animal matter. In this project, biofuel is sourced from used cooking oil. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions when burned.
As explained, the project is part of SOHAR Port and Freezone’s mission to accelerate the transition to the circular economy thereby bolstering economic development in Oman. This includes the conservation of natural resources as a cornerstone to sustainable development, with a fundamental goal to use existing resources as much as feasible, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s goal to achieve sustainable development and foster economic competitiveness.
