Inching towards CO2 neutrality: Svitzer to transition to biofuels in Port of Esbjerg

Denmark-based towage and marine services provider Svitzer has decided to switch to biofuels at the Port of Esbjerg in line with the port’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Starting from February 1, 2025, Sviter’s tugs operating in Esbjerg port will be sailing on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to contribute to the shipping decarbonization and the port’s CO2-neutrality agenda.

In addition, from this date, customers using Svitzer’s towing services in and out of the port will be subject to the Ecofriendly Bunker Adjustment Factor (EcoBAF), Port Esbjerg explained.

The transition is also said to strengthen the port’s collaboration with key maritime partners such as shipping company Grimaldi Group.

Paul Kyprianou, External Relations Manager of the Grimaldi Group, commented: “The Grimaldi Group shares the goal of zero emissions and has made significant investments towards reaching this goal, including ordering almost 40 ships in the last seven years, with CO2 emissions halved compared to previous constructions. We consider the EcoBAF approach as an essential part of the decarbonisation journey within shipping where our Group plays a central role as one of the leading players in the industry.”

Mathias Jonasson, Managing Director, Svitzer Scandinavia, said: “At Svitzer, we are committed to decarbonising our operations which must be carbon neutral by 2040. We can only achieve this ambition by working with like-minded partners and customers. I’m both proud and excited that Port Esbjerg and Grimaldi Group share our commitment to creating cleaner operations to benefit local communities and nature in Esbjerg and the West Coast of Jutland.”

Dennis Jul Pedersen, CEO of Port Esbjerg, reminded that the port committed to becoming CO2 neutral by 2030 through membership in the “Getting to Zero Coalition”, highlighting the customers’ role in transition to green biofuels to fully deliver on this ambition.

“We acknowledge that transitioning to biofuels comes with additional costs for our customers using our port facilities. But it is a necessary next step in the green transition; that’s why I’m very grateful that both Grimaldi Group and Svitzer understand this and will now use cleaner fuels,” Pedersen explained.