12 Aug BIOFUEL POWERS FERRY FREIGHT OPERATIONS AT THE PORT OF POOLE
The freight vessel MN Pelican, a roll-on/roll-off vessel chartered by Brittany Ferries from Maritime Nantaise to operate between Poole and Bilbao, is now regularly bunkering B25 marine biofuel at the Port of Poole.
B25 is a blend of 25% sustainably sourced FAME (fatty acid methyl ester), derived from recycled food waste. This “drop-in” fuel can deliver up to 20% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, requiring no modifications to the vessel or port infrastructure, providing a practical, immediate step towards decarbonising shipping operations.
Since February 2025, over 1.5 million litres of B25 have been delivered at Poole by Whitaker Tankers in support of Pelican’s Channel crossings.
Whitaker Tankers’ Whitchampion was recently certified by Lloyd’s Register as the first bunker tanker able to load, carry and blend FAME B100 onboard – a major development in biofuel logistics.
While the sector continues to explore future fuels such as methanol and ammonia, biofuel remains a vital part of the transition; enabling shipping to decarbonise using existing vessels and infrastructure.
Captain Brian Murphy, Chief Executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said:
“This demonstrates how, through collaboration with trusted partners, we are helping to turn decarbonisation ambitions into practical steps. Supplying biofuel to an active freight ferry highlights what can be achieved today, even as the industry continues to explore the fuels of the future.”