S&P Global CERA Consulting: Europe’s Bunker Fuel Transition

Nefeli Charitou, consultant at S&P Global CERA Consulting, looks at the opportunities for liquid storage The European liquid bulk storage industry is shifting away from traditional models, towards a period of change. Geopolitical turmoil, fragmented trade flows, and heightened energy security concerns intersect with ambitions for rapid energy transition. In this context, storage facilities will play a key role in Europe’s energy infrastructure, supporting economic resilience by storing essential commodities such as oil, chemicals and renewable fuels. Despite the European Union’s push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the storage sector still relies on traditional fossil fuels, which make up around 85% of its energy mix. Yet, as decarbonisation pressures mount, the sector is expected to adapt, expanding its capacity, to handle an ever-growing share of alternative fuels. For the maritime world, liquid fuel storage remains indispensable. Current fleets continue to depend on conventional fuels, but as the industry pivots toward decarbonisation, low carbon liquids and liquefied gases will take centre stage. A robust storage network will therefore keep maritime energy...