Biofuel bunker prices in the port of Rotterdam have recently experienced an increase, with the B30-VLSFO (POMEME) blend rising by $27 per metric ton over the past week. This surge occurred despite a $21 per metric ton decrease in the price of conventional Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) in the same Dutch port. Prima Markets reported that prices for POMEME and UCOME barges in Rotterdam increased by $55 per metric ton, reaching $1,880 per metric ton and $1,810 per metric ton, respectively.
This trend suggests that the rising cost of feedstock for these biofuels is a primary driver behind the higher prices, effectively counteracting any downward pressure from the conventional fuel market. For freight forwarders and ocean carriers, this development indicates potentially higher operational costs for vessels opting for biofuel blends to meet sustainability targets. The premium for biofuels over conventional fuels may widen, influencing bunkering decisions and potentially impacting overall freight rates for environmentally conscious shipping options.
