CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL), a Nasdaq-listed marine fuel logistics and bunkering facilitator, announced the acquisition of a 50.5% majority stake in Green Marine Energy Holdings Limited (GMH), a British Virgin Islands incorporated company. The transaction, executed by CBL's wholly-owned subsidiary, includes a corporate guarantee from CBL to secure the payment obligations. This strategic move expands CBL's footprint in Malaysia's sustainable fuel material trading business, supporting the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuel industries.
GMH operates two complementary businesses in Malaysia: feedstock trading for SAF and biofuels, and ship biofuel supply along with traditional bunkering services. The feedstock trading arm holds the necessary licenses to source and trade raw materials used in SAF and biofuel production, supported by an established network of suppliers and customers. Its bunkering operations include a license to supply both conventional bunker fuel and biofuels within Malaysian waters, including at Port Klang, one of the world's top ten ports by throughput.
This acquisition aligns with growing global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations and evolving regulatory requirements in the maritime and aviation sectors. CBL's financial resources and operational expertise in marine fuel logistics are expected to support GMH's expansion, scaling its feedstock trading activities and exploring opportunities to supply SAF-related producers in Malaysia. The country is seeing increased investment in sustainable fuel infrastructure, with new commercial-scale SAF production facilities opening and planned, underscoring the potential for feedstock demand in the region.
In the bunkering segment, GMH's license positions the combined group to develop traditional and biofuel bunkering supply capabilities at key Malaysian ports. This builds on CBL's existing bunkering facilitation services and supports the industry's transition toward lower-carbon marine fuels. Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBL, commented: "This acquisition represents a measured step to broaden our presence in the sustainable energy supply chain while leveraging our core strengths in marine fuel services. We look forward to working with the GMH team to support the responsible growth of these businesses in line with market developments."
The transaction is expected to enhance CBL's long-term positioning in the evolving marine and energy sectors without altering the Company's primary focus on its established bunkering facilitation activities. CBL International Limited is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistic company based in the Asia Pacific region. The Group actively promotes the use of sustainable fuels and is awarded with the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications, as well as EcoVadis Silver Medal. For more information, visit the company's website at https://www.banle-intl.com.
