The Port of Rotterdam has said the current global handysize tanker fleet is insufficient to meet increasing demand for biofuels in the EU, and up to 140 extra handysize tankers will be needed by 2015.
Citing a Lloyd's Register analysis, the port said that more than half of the demand is related to transport between Europe and South America, with the rest to the Europe-Asia route.
“Should European demand increase slightly less then anticipated, then an extra 112 big ships would be needed,” said the port, adding that in both scenarios, “a considerable number of smaller units will also be needed, for intra-European use.”
According to the analysis, in 2008 some 59 million tonnes of vegetable oils will be transported by sea worldwide while EU imports will amount to an estimated 10.3 million tonnes.
“Rotterdam is by far the most important port in this connection,” said the port.
According to the port, the specialized tanker fleet now consists of 2,560 units, or a combined 81 million dwt - including 1,490 chemical tankers, or a combined 44 million dwt, which are currently carrying biofuels.
The port said that for transport from Brazil to the US and Asia, panamax and aframaxes, “or perhaps even VLCCs, are also options. Brazil is looking at whether or not it can increase ethanol production to the required level for this.”
Citing a Lloyd's Register analysis, the port said that more than half of the demand is related to transport between Europe and South America, with the rest to the Europe-Asia route.
“Should European demand increase slightly less then anticipated, then an extra 112 big ships would be needed,” said the port, adding that in both scenarios, “a considerable number of smaller units will also be needed, for intra-European use.”
According to the analysis, in 2008 some 59 million tonnes of vegetable oils will be transported by sea worldwide while EU imports will amount to an estimated 10.3 million tonnes.
“Rotterdam is by far the most important port in this connection,” said the port.
According to the port, the specialized tanker fleet now consists of 2,560 units, or a combined 81 million dwt - including 1,490 chemical tankers, or a combined 44 million dwt, which are currently carrying biofuels.
The port said that for transport from Brazil to the US and Asia, panamax and aframaxes, “or perhaps even VLCCs, are also options. Brazil is looking at whether or not it can increase ethanol production to the required level for this.”