Rotterdam Fuel Bunkering Declines while LNG Demand Soars by 52%.

In 2024, maritime shipping in Rotterdam bunkered 9.8 million tonnes of fuel, slightly lower than the 9.9 million tonnes in 2023. The demand for fuel oil, marine gas oil, and other fuels decreased by 0.9 percent compared to the previous year. However, the demand for LNG saw a significant increase, reaching 0.94 million m3, a 52 percent rise from 2023’s 0.62 million m3. This rebound in LNG demand followed a previous decline during a period of high gas prices.

Bio-methanol bunkering in Rotterdam experienced a surge in demand in 2024, with nearly 4,000 tonnes being bunkered compared to 750 tonnes in 2023. The demand for bio-blended fuels showed a clear dichotomy throughout the year, with a slight growth in the first half followed by a sharp decline in the second half. This trend was particularly noticeable in the demand for bio-blended VLSFO, the largest of the bio-blends, which remained unchanged from 2023 at 750,000 tonnes. The increased availability of bio-blended fuels in Asia, due to anti-dumping duties on Chinese biofuel, was a key factor in this fluctuation.

Overall, the maritime bunkering industry in Rotterdam experienced shifts in fuel demand in 2024, with notable increases in LNG and bio-methanol. The market for bio-blended fuels saw a dichotomous trend throughout the year, influenced by global trade dynamics. Despite these fluctuations, the demand for bio-blends remained steady from the previous year.

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