Adria Ferries introduces B20 biobunker fuel on board its fleet for more sustainable shipping
Ancona, November 20, 2025 – In line with its energy transition and environmental impact reduction strategy, Adria Ferries announces that the AF Mia ship will start using B20 biobunker fuel to replace traditional IFO380 fuel.
The adoption of biobunker fuel follows a risk assessment by RINA, which the Ancona-based shipping company has undergone in recent months. The naval classification society works in concert with the Italian flag and is committed to sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector by promoting the adoption of low environmental impact technologies and the use of alternative fuels.
The B20 biobunker, supplied by Italiana Petroli S.p.a, one of the most important and certified players in the sector at an international level, is a blend composed of 20% sustainable biofuel and 80% conventional fuel. This change will enable an estimated reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 15–18% and a decrease in sulphur emissions (SOx) of around 20%, contributing to the achievement of European and international decarbonisation targets for the maritime sector set by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation), which aim to reduce net GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions to zero by 2050.
“The choice of the B20 biobunker represents a concrete step towards more responsible and innovative management for our entire group,’ says Dr. Alberto Rossi, CEO of Adria Ferries S.p.A. and President of FMG. ‘We are investing in sustainability not only to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, but also to improve the energy efficiency and competitiveness of our business in the long term.’ ‘This week,’ adds Dr. Alberto Rossi, "we received the news that Frittelli Maritime Group, a company belonging to the Group, has been chosen by the European Commission, alongside Fiumicino airport and other large companies in the sector, to receive funding for the decarbonisation project along the trans-European transport network. In particular, the Commission's funds will be used within FMG's ambitious Eagle project. A highly sophisticated port logistics centre will be built in the former Bunge area, and power supply systems will be implemented that will allow ships arriving at the port of Ancona to be powered by 100% sustainable energy."
The initiative is part of a broader corporate programme to optimise consumption and reduce emissions, which includes:
- the adoption of digital fuel consumption monitoring systems.
- training crew members in efficient navigation practices (“eco-sailing”).
- collaboration with certified energy partners to ensure the traceability of the biofuel used.
With the introduction of B20, Adria Ferries confirms its commitment to actively contributing to a greener maritime future, in line with ESG principles and European climate neutrality targets for 2050. The initiative is part of a broad and well-established corporate strategy that goes hand in hand with technological developments in the sector and includes the adoption of scrubbers on all ships in the fleet. The scrubber is a key component of a ship's engine exhaust gas cleaning system. It is a special filter separator, also known as a “scrubber tower”, which reduces the concentration of acidic micropollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and chlorinated gases produced by combustion.
