Sustainable energy for the future of shipping

The future of shipping

Shipping accounts for approximately 2 to 3 percent of global emissions. That is why the EU is now tightening the requirements for sustainable marine fuels. With Raw Tall Diesel from Piteå, made from raw tall oil, our customers can produce bio-based marine fuels that reduce climate impact here and now. The EU's FuelEU Maritime directive is driving the transition – and Sunpine is contributing an important piece of the puzzle.

Shipping is the lifeblood of the global economy. Over 80 % of the world's goods are transported by sea, but the sector is also responsible for around 3 % of global carbon dioxide emissions. To meet the EU and UN climate targets, emissions from ships must be reduced dramatically.

This is the background to the EU's new FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into force in 2025. It requires shipping companies and ship operators to reduce the emission intensity of their fuels by 80 % by 2050 – a requirement that will change the entire fuel landscape.

In practice, this means that shipping needs a combination of solutions: electrification for shorter distances, ammonia and methanol for longer transports – and biofuels that work in existing engines here and now. The latter are crucial because they can reduce emissions directly without requiring new ships or infrastructure.

Reduced marine climate impact

This is where Sunpine comes in. Our Raw Tall Diesel, produced in Piteå from waste products from the paper and pulp industry, is a key raw material in the production of renewable fuels that can be used in marine applications. By utilizing existing resources, we contribute to reducing the climate impact of shipping without burdening land, water or food production.

Our process is an example of how Swedish industry can create circular value. Crude tall oil, which was previously considered a waste product, is refined by us into high-quality crude tall oil diesel with a carbon dioxide reduction value of up to 90 percent. Our customers – leading European fuel producers – can further refine it into bio-based marine fuels that can replace fossil alternatives. In this way, we connect the forest industry's waste flows with the global energy market and make it possible for shipping to truly reduce its emissions.

90%

Sunpines Raw Tall Diesel has a carbon dioxide reduction value of up to 90%

Strongly growing market

EU requirements and the IMO’s new emissions standards are driving rapid technological development, and the market for sustainable marine fuels is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. For Sunpine, this means increased opportunities to contribute to climate benefits – but also a responsibility to continue developing our process and supply chain.

The future of shipping is not just about finding new fuels – it’s about using resources smarter. By transforming an industrial waste product into a circular energy flow, Sunpine is helping to drive that change. From Norrbotten to the world’s ports, we stand ready to contribute to a fossil-free maritime future.

The future of energy starts here

The world needs to quickly phase out its dependence on fossil fuels in favor of more sustainable alternatives. That is the very foundation of Sunpine's business.

Fueling a better future

Sunpine is the world's largest producer of Raw Tall Diesel, an advanced and ISCC-certified biofuel feedstock made from waste products from the paper and pulp industry.

Sustainability is our business

At Sunpine, we know that every liter of Raw Tall Diesel and Biooil sold reduces global dependence on fossil fuels. But our sustainability work doesn't stop there.