Fuelling the future of yachting
Ben Mahy presents the Rubis Atlantic Marine Network. One trusted brand with multi-locations across the Atlantic and the Rubis Renewable Diesel HVO
With any long distance repositioning there is lots to plan, organise and arrange, not least the most critical provision and the largest expense which is likely to be fuel supply. One global company which has superyachts covered across the Atlantic in this regard, with the highest quality products and expertise, is leading fuel bunkering physical supplier, Rubis.
The Northern European hub for superyacht builds and refits is centred, around the prestigious shipyards of The Netherlands and Germany. After new build commissioning and sea trials or post refit handover, owners and captains are keen to return to their chosen areas of operation whether they be in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. At the western end of the English Channel, just after passing Southampton to the north and Cherbourg to the south, Rubis has this region covered with bases and berths to LOA 130m+ in the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. The Channel Islands are self-governing and as such have their own tax regimes by agreement with the UK. No VAT is chargeable on any services and supplied products, or purchases and imported items for collection; to any vessel whether registered private or commercial. Therefore Rubis-CI is able to offer all superyachts some of the lowest fuel and lubricant prices across Europe, and for superior grade products.
After departing the English Channel vessels will likely have planned a long distance leg before the next bunker stop to enter the Med or cross the Atlantic for the Americas. The importance of assurance on fuel quality becomes even more crucial on these longer distance transits when weather windows, schedules, port calls and provisions have been planned accordingly. Disruption to these plans due to poor or off spec fuel leads to major cost liabilities on resolving the contamination, re-scheduling of ports and owner or charter commitments. This is where the name of quality and network of locations that Rubis provides is invaluable.
On the Americas side Rubis offer the same superior brand quality and service assurance in superyacht bunkering across their Atlantic Network of locations, including Bermuda and 16 other countries of the Caribbean. Bermuda is a transit point for vessels from the US and for many a last stop before making the crossing east to Europe. In the Caribbean, from the Bahamas, Cayman, Jamaica and Turks & Caicos in the West, French Antilles and Antigua in the East, down through St Lucia, Barbados and the Grenadines to Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana on mainland South America, Rubis has the region comprehensively covered.
QUALITY AND RENEWABLE DIESEL
As well as locations, Rubis has the advantage of managing the whole supply chain from refinery right through to delivery so that they are in full control of product grades, quality and costs. This also allows the Rubis Energy Group to promote sustainability advancements. Rubis Premium Superyacht Diesel is the cleanest ULSD/AGO EN590, certified FAME free to ISO de-minimis and supplied with MARPOL documentation and samples. However, the energy transition and carbon neutral targets demand further developments and new fuel energy solutions.
Pure hydrogen as a marine fuel in either highly compressed gas or extremely chilled liquid is too much of a liability in handling logistics and safety. Hydrogen derived molecules (which are readily managed at ambient temperature and pressure) of methanol and ammonia are recognised by shipping as having very strong potential, but the technology is not yet in current fleet use.
The solution for today’s fleet here and now for a big step towards sustainability is Renewable Diesel HVO. For superyachts looking to reduce their carbon footprint Rubis now also offers bunkering of renewable diesel HVO to EN 15940. Rubis supplies HVO in the Channel Islands at comparable rates to those of fossil diesel in other European jurisdictions, therefore in many cases superyachts can choose this as a cost neutral way to offset their carbon emissions. This HVO is an advanced 2nd generation hydro-processed bio-fuel which is FAME free, outperforms other bio diesels and fossil diesels, will produce up to net 90% less CO2 over its lifecycle and is fully compatible with EN 590 fuel. As a major development in this direction Rolls Royce MTU have now released EN 15940 renewable diesel for use in their very popular series 4000 GenDrive engines. Then further positive news from MTU with the endorsed warranty of Renewable Diesel HVO EN 15940 fuel use on all models from 2023, this will be a huge sustainability step change for the superyacht industry.
Rubis is a proud supporter of the Superyacht Eco Association – Sea Index and Water Revolution Foundation initiatives by leading the way on 2nd gen biofuel superyacht supply. RD100 by Rubis, is the 100% renewable diesel HVO which is refined from 100% renewable sources such as vegetable oils from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, and waste fats such as animal fats or used cooking oil.
It is a clear and odourless fuel which is fully, mixable, blendable and interchangeable with conventional diesel, requiring no draining flushing or additional filter changes. Which superyachts will be able to claim a renewable diesel component in their bunker volumes for 2023?
When you demand product quality and competitive marine fuel prices, Rubis Marine Bunkering is the regional leader for North Europe, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The Rubis network of local marine fuel professionals provide start to finish expertise and superior customer service
Rubis Europe Channel Islands:
www.rubis-ci.co.uk/superyacht
Rubis Atlantic Locations:
www.rubis-ci.co.uk/superyacht-atlantic
