July 10, 2025
In early July, Green Marine Group and Vertoro B.V. announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the market validation and commercial deployment of lignin-alcohol blends, also known as crude lignin oil (CLO), as sustainable marine fuels (SMF).
As explained, together, the two companies will focus on rigorous market validation and accelerating the commercial roll-out of CLO-based marine fuels, positioning this technology at the forefront of sustainable shipping energy solutions.
Crude lignin oil (CLO), a bio-based fuel made from lignin. Lignin, found in the cell walls of plants, is a renewable material that can be processed into effective fuel through different methods. Companies such as Vertoro are advancing technologies to extract lignin and convert it into biofuel. This includes combining lignin with alcohols like methanol or ethanol to produce a low-carbon fuel suitable for maritime use.
There are many types of biofuels produced through different processes using wide range feedstocks. The most established products, suitable for shipping, are:
- Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME), (defined by the specifications of EN 14214 and ASTM D 6754), often referred to by some as biodiesel, and
- Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) (defined by the paraffinic fuel specification EN 15940), a synthetic diesel very often referred also to as green or renewable dies
We at Green Marine Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market. This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry
… said Fredrik Stubner, Founder and CEO of Green Marine Group.
Dr. Michael Boot Boot, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vertoro, emphasized the importance of Green Marine Group’s expertise, noting that the company has an excellent track record as a connector between green fuel producers, engine manufacturers, and shipping companies. He explained that this has opened many opportunities for Vertoro in both fuel validation and offtake.
