Baltic Exchange Launches First Fuel Equivalence Converter for Maritime Industry

The Baltic Exchange has introduced the maritime industry’s first Fuel Equivalence Converter, designed to simplify the assessment of alternative fuels’ commercial and operational impacts. This free digital calculator aims to assist owners, traders, brokers, and charterers in understanding the physical properties of the various marine fuels available on the market. By comparing mass, volume, and energy content, users can assess how different fuel options would impact their bunker supplies to achieve an equivalent energy level. This tool is essential for owners and operators seeking to reduce compliance costs or transition to cleaner fuel alternatives.

The Fuel Equivalence Converter is part of Baltic Exchange’s efforts to help shipping players comprehend the cost and commercial implications of greener fuel options. It follows the launch of the FuelEU Maritime Calculator in December 2024, which was expanded to include biofuels in March of the same year. The converter currently includes various fuel options such as VLSFO, HFO, LFSO Crude, LNG, Ammonia, and Methanol, along with unit types like metric tonnes, cubic meters, and MMBtu. This enables users to understand how different fuel choices will impact their vessel’s bunker fuel storage and management systems.

Martin Crawford-Brunt, emissions lead at Baltic Exchange, emphasized the importance of having a tool like the Fuel Equivalence Converter as the range of potential fuel alternatives continues to grow. By providing a centralized platform for conversion rates and energy ratios, the converter allows industry stakeholders to make informed decisions based on data. This is crucial for navigating the increasing number of emissions regulations and making effective decarbonization decisions in the shipping industry. Baltic Exchange encourages feedback from the industry to enhance its tools and resources for real-world users.

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