- On 2 February 2025, Monjasa supplied 900 mts of ISCC-certified biofuel to NYK’s Hestia Leader at Cristobal, Panama.
- The operation, conducted by Monjasa Thunder, establishes a scalable biofuel supply chain of 5,000-7,000 mts/month.
- The Panama Canal Authority launched the NetZero Slot initiative on 24 March 2025 to promote low-carbon shipping.
- Monjasa expands biofuel availability in the Americas, with existing supply points in Peru and Colombia.
Monjasa, one of the world’s top 10 marine fuel suppliers, successfully delivered 900 metric tons (mts) of marine biofuels to the NYK-operated vessel Hestia Leader at the Port of Cristobal, Panama, on 2 February 2025. This ship-to-ship bunkering operation was carried out by Monjasa Thunder (19,991 dwt) and marked a milestone as the first International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)-certified biofuel supply in Panama. The initiative establishes a scalable second-generation marine biofuels supply chain capable of delivering 5,000-7,000 mts per month.
Panama Canal Authority’s NetZero Slot Initiative
On 24 March 2025, the Panama Canal Authority introduced the NetZero Slot, a program designed to incentivize shipowners and operators to adopt sustainable fuel alternatives. Recognizing the canal’s strong focus on green shipping initiatives, Monjasa’s General Manager for Latin America, Jonas Bruslund, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting these efforts by facilitating biofuel supply chains in the region.
Bruslund noted that biofuel adoption in Panama has been slower than in key bunkering hubs such as Singapore and Rotterdam due to limited local feedstock availability and fluctuating customer demand. However, through strategic partnerships, Monjasa now imports biofuels from Europe, making sustainable fuel solutions accessible to shipowners operating in the Panama Canal zone.
Biofuels as a Drop-In Solution for Decarbonization
As the shipping industry seeks viable strategies to reduce its carbon footprint, biofuels present a practical short- to mid-term solution. These fuels allow shipowners to meet evolving regulatory requirements, including the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the annual Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), while minimizing emissions without major engine modifications.
Monjasa has already established biofuel supply partnerships in Callao, Peru, and Cartagena, Colombia, reinforcing its commitment to expanding alternative fuel availability across the Americas.
ISCC-Certified Operations and Future Prospects
As an ISCC-certified supplier, Monjasa ensures full traceability of biofuel feedstock from origin to end-user. For this initial Panama supply, the B30 blend included 30% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) and 70% Very Low sulfur fuel Oil (VLSFO), offering a lower-carbon alternative while maintaining operational efficiency.
Despite the current biofuel demand being sporadic, Monjasa remains focused on developing a robust global biofuels supply network, supporting the maritime industry in achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets.
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Source: Monjasa
