Sunoco LP, through its subsidiary Sunoco Marine Ltd, has entered into a commercial collaboration with Verde Marine Energy B.V. (VME) to expand its marine fuel presence into the ARA and UK bunker markets, according to a statement released to Ship & Bunker.
The partnership combines Sunoco’s commercial footprint across North America and the Caribbean with Verde’s physical bunker supply capabilities and operational platform in Northern Europe, Ship & Bunker reports. Verde Marine Energy is backed by Vertom BV, a maritime service provider and shipping conglomerate.
Building on Existing US Collaboration
According to the statement, the new agreement builds on an existing collaboration between the companies in the United States involving Eleven Energy. The companies say the expanded partnership creates a platform to broaden their commercial reach, develop new markets, and introduce additional products and supply locations internationally.
Sunoco is described in the statement as the largest independent fuel distributor in the Americas, with physical marine fuel supply operations in locations including Houston, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Port Everglades, Miami, Jamaica, St. Croix, Barbados and Guyana, delivering via truck, barge and pipeline depending on the market.
Under the collaboration, Sunoco gains an established operational platform in the ARA and UK regions, while Verde gains access to Sunoco’s scale and international customer network, according to the announcement. The companies say plans include adding barges, new products and additional ports to their combined offering.
Comments from Verde Marine Energy
Joe Tierney, Head of Trading and Director at VME, said in the statement: “We are excited to build on the momentum and success VME has achieved over the past two years with the backing of Vertom. The progress we have made has led to this strategic collaboration with Sunoco, which will accelerate the expansion of our supply network while further strengthening our sustainability and digitalization capabilities.” Tierney added that Chris Todd was a key figure behind the agreement, and noted that VME’s recent development in B100 supply had been well received.
According to the announcement, Verde Marine Energy will continue operating under its existing structure, with the collaboration providing additional commercial scale for growth in the ARA, UK and wider Northern European bunker markets. The companies stated they plan to contact customers and vendors with further details, targeting a go-live date of October 1, 2026.
Does this matter to you?
For vessel operators and bunker buyers active in the ARA and UK regions, this collaboration signals potential changes to supply options, including the addition of new barges, products and ports as outlined in the companies’ statement. Traders and charterers sourcing fuel in Northern Europe may see expanded access to Sunoco’s international network through Verde’s existing physical supply infrastructure. The specific commercial or pricing impact of the partnership has not been detailed in the source material, and further clarity is expected as the companies move toward their planned October 2026 launch.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
