June 13, 2025
John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Limited has received chemical certification from Lloyd’s Register (LR), on behalf of the Isle of Man Flag Administration, for its tanker Whitchampion to carry and blend Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME B100) onboard.
This makes Whitchampion the first LR-classed Annex I bunker tanker certified to handle FAME as cargo under MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code, without needing to convert to a full chemical tanker. The certification allows blending operations in UK coastal waters under a Tri-Partite Agreement between the Isle of Man Flag, UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UKMCA), and LR. Its sister vessel, Whitchallenger, is expected to gain similar certification later this year.
This move addresses current IMO regulations that restrict MARPOL Annex I tankers to biofuel blends below 30%, leaving most conventional bunker vessels unable to support higher bio-content fuel delivery. LR conducted a Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment to develop a compliant framework, leading to waivers that enabled certification while ensuring safety and environmental standards. Dedicated training was also delivered, resulting in UKMCA’s endorsement for FAME handling.
Tim Wilson (LR) indicated the certification offers a viable model for bunker tankers to support the energy transition without costly conversions. Meanwhile, Jawwad Minhas (LR) noted their risk-based approach offers flexibility and assurance during the shift to sustainable fuels. Additionally, Peter Howard (Whitaker Tankers) highlighted the achievement as a testament to the team’s determination and their leadership in enabling clients to meet decarbonisation goals.
During the 2025 GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Marine Fuels Business Development Director, VeriFuel, explained that the adoption of B100 FAME-based biofuels represents a powerful shift in the maritime industry’s approach to fuel. It offers measurable environmental and financial benefits, solid operational stability, and strong compliance advantages, when implemented correctly.
