Navigating the evolving ARA market: ExxonMobil’s perspective on the market and how our regional team supports customers
Regulatory shifts, technological advances and evolving customer needs are helping reshape the marine fuels landscape. Geoffrey Lambrechts, who leads ExxonMobil’s regional Sales team for ARA region, examines how the company is helping customers in the ARA region navigate any transition with dependable lower GHG emission fuel options.
The regulatory catalyst
Q: How are evolving EU regulations, like the recent RED III implementation, influencing the ARA bunker market?
A: EU regulations – especially ETS and FuelEU Maritime1 – are accelerating the shift to lower GHG emission fuels by directly shaping customers’ operational decisions. As obligated parties, ship operators are focused on solutions that reduce GHG emissions efficiently while maintaining performance.
ExxonMobil supports these solutions by offering reliable options like bio marine fuel blends combined with strong technical expertise to help customers make informed decisions.
While RED III applies mainly to fuel suppliers, we manage this regulatory framework within our portfolio in a cost-effective way – helping to limit the impact on our customers.
Innovating with bio marine fuel blends
Q: How is ExxonMobil’s bio marine fuel blend offering evolving?
A: ExxonMobil has supplied bio marine fuel blends in the ARA region for years, across multiple grades and certified feedstocks. This isn’t experimental – it builds on proven, real-world experience supported by our maritime technology experts. What’s changing is the breadth of the offer, driven directly by our customers’ lower GHG emission goals. A recent trial using FAME distillation residue successfully demonstrated our ability to safely integrate new lower GHG emission components while maintaining operations. Ultimately, our approach is shaped by listening closely to customers and delivering practical, ready-to-use solutions that help reduce GHG emissions today without operational disruption.
The value of FAME Distillation Residue
Q: What are the key advantages of using a feedstock like FAME distillation residue?
A: What’s really exciting about FAME distillation residue is that it brings several important benefits together in one solution. It offers a clear reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions2, compared with conventional marine fuels, and it can help operators meet upcoming regulatory requirements, including national legislation implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive III.
Just as importantly, we’ve shown through extensive lab work and a successful sea trial that it blends safely, handles well onboard and performs reliably in real vessel operations3. And because this feedstock doesn’t face the same competing demand from other transport sectors as conventional FAME, it can also be a more cost-effective option. So overall, it’s a practical, technically proven and economical way to support the marine industry’s lower GHG emission journey.
Strategy entry into LNG bunkering market
Q: What is ExxonMobil’s strategy for developing the global LNG bunkering market?
A: Demand for LNG as a marine fuel continues to grow as shipowners adopt dual-fuel LNG vessels and long-term strategies to reduce GHG emissions. ExxonMobil has a long history with LNG and entering the bunkering market enables us to build on a strong competitive advantage across the entire LNG value chain. As LNG is a proven pathway to lifecycle GHG emission reductions vs conventional marine fuel4, I am really energised by those developments as it brings together multiple parts of our organisation to strengthen our customer offer and support the industry’s move toward lower GHG emission fuels.
Supporting customers through a transition
Q: How would you describe ExxonMobil’s role in the fuel developments currently underway in the ARA region?
A: From a broader perspective, ExxonMobil is playing an active role in the fuel developments underway in the ARA region. It’s an incredibly exciting moment to be in this market – there’s real momentum, real innovation and multiple lower GHG emission pathways moving forward at the same time.
What sets ExxonMobil apart is our scale, technical depth and proven ability to execute. We combine decades of global energy experience with strong local capability to deliver solutions that work in day to day operations, not just in theory. Across both conventional and lower GHG emission fuels advancing in the ARA region, our role is consistent: supporting product integrity, supply reliability and helping customers move forward with confidence.
The emerging multi-fuel landscape
Q: What is your outlook on the future of marine fuels?
A: It’s genuinely a great time to be in marine fuels. There’s a lot happening at once, but what’s clear is that the market won’t pivot to a single solution — we’re moving toward a true multi-fuel landscape, shaped by vessel type, trading patterns, evolving technology and each customer’s lower GHG emissions strategy. I’m really looking forward to playing a role in helping the industry move forward in the years ahead.
1Decarbonising maritime transport – FuelEU Maritime - Mobility and Transport
2Benefit compared with conventional petroleum-based liquid marine fuels, calculated on an energy basis. Estimated well-to-wake CO2 emissions reduction calculated using Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (“RED III”), amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (“RED II”), including Annex V. Actual results may vary and lifecycle GHG emissions reduction can vary with each batch and will depend on factors such as the specific feedstock and production process.
3Consult with engine manufacturer. OEMs may limit bio blend percentages or specific bio components for certain engines.
43rd Life Cycle GHG Emission Study on the Use of LNG as Marine Fuel
