Dutch bunker mandates put Rotterdam in play for U.S. biofuels, USDA says
In Washington, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service reports new greenhouse gas reduction requirements for marine bunker suppliers in the Netherlands are creating significant market opportunities for U.S. biofuels exporters.
The Netherlands imported $535 million in U.S. biofuels in 2025, predominantly bioethanol and HEFA, cementing Rotterdam as Europe’s key bunkering hub. Starting this year, Dutch legislation requires bunker suppliers to cut the GHG intensity of their fuel mix, with targets that steepen considerably through 2030. USDA anticipates the marine sector will shift toward biobased diesel fuels, particularly HEFA, which requires no engine modification and can be used as a direct substitute for conventional marine fuel.
The Dutch system differs from EU-level FuelEU Maritime rules in that obligations can only be met by bunkering within the Netherlands, concentrating demand at Rotterdam and limiting the ability of shipowners to comply elsewhere.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
