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Criminal law expert: ‘Unusual’ fines and sentences against Dan-Bunkering by court

‘It is not often that we see fines of that magnitude in Denmark and it is not every day that we see directors who are sentenced to imprisonment,’ says Thomas Elholm.

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Disclaimer: An online translation service was used in the production of the current editorial piece, which Manifold Times had reproduction permission from Danish Radio (DR).

The court in Odense did not follow the prosecutors demand for two years imprisonment of Bunker Holding CEO Keld R. Demant in a case of jet fuel to Syria, but still the verdict is unusual, according to a criminal law expert.

“It is an unusual case because the court has given very large fines and custodial sentences to a director. It is conditional, but still a custodial sentence,” states the expert.

This is the assessment by criminal law expert Thomas Elholm from the University of Copenhagen after a verdict on Tuesday (14 December) against Dan-Bunkering, the owner company Bunker Holding and the top director Keld Demant.

The court in Odense found them guilty of violating EU sanctions for supplying jet fuel that ended up in Russian fighter jets in Syria from 2015 to 2017, where Russian fighter jets bombed massively in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The verdict was a fine of DKK 30 million (USD 4.5 million) to Dan-Bunkering and a DKK 4 million fine (USD 610,000) to the owner company Bunker Holding. Bunker Holding’s CEO Keld Demant was given four months probation.

The behind-the-scenes police (SØIK) had otherwise demanded much harsher penalties in the case, namely two years in prison for the CEO of Bunker Holding, Keld Demant, and fines for the two companies amounting to DKK 400 million (USD 60.72 million).

Nevertheless, criminal law professor Thomas Elholm considers the verdict from the Court in Odense to be unusual.

“It is not often that we see fines of that magnitude in Denmark. And it is not every day that we see directors who are sentenced to imprisonment,” says Thomas Elholm.

‘Ready for them’

The court in Odense states in judgment that Dan-Bunkering has 33 times delivered a total of 172,000 tons of jet fuel, which ended up in Syria. And that the company must have “realised it as overwhelmingly probable” the jet fuel was to be used by the Russian military in Syria. 

Therefore, according to the court it is a continuing infringement.

The owner company Bunker Holding and the top director Keld Demant have been convicted of not intervening and stopping the deliveries. 

According to the court, they should have done so after the Danish Business Authority approached in December 2016 with a suspicion that Dan-Bunkering violated the EU’s Syria-sanctions .

Instead, the owner company and the top director participated “passively” so that deliveries could continue, the verdict states.

“It is a clear verdict,” said an assessment from Thomas Elholm.

“There was agreement in court that the companies and the accused director have violated the rules. There is no doubt about that,” he adds.

No similar cases

According to professor Thomas Elholm, there were no similar cases of violation sanctions in Denmark. 

The court in Odense has thus not been able to refer to previous judgments, as it had to impose the sentence.

“The verdict may have significance later for other cases, because it is one of the first verdicts to determine the level of punishment. That way it is a special case,” comments Thomas Elholm.

The prosecutors had demanded very high fines because they thought the fines should be measured according to what the companies had traded for in the jet fuel dealers. 

That would be similar to how to impose punishment in money laundering cases. The court chose instead to impose the fines according to what the companies had earned on the trades.

“That you calculate fines according to the profit, you see in many areas,” says Thomas Elholm.

Dan-Bunkering is considering appeal

The two convicted companies and top director Keld Demant write in one press release that they have taken the accusations very seriously throughout the process.

“We will therefore take the necessary time to assess both the judgment and the premises thoroughly before we decide whether the judgments should be appealed,” states the press release.

The convicts noted the court has imposed a significantly lower sentence than the prosecutor had demanded. Emphasizing that only Dan-Bunkering has been convicted of violating the EU intentional sanctions.

“On the other hand, the court did not find that either Bunker Holding or its CEO had deliberately acted in breach of the EU sanctions, but on the contrary that action had been taken negligently,” according to a press release.

Prosecutors: ‘Very serious’

The prosecution provided a comment to the court ruling that Dan-Bunkering has sold over 170,000 tons of jet fuel to Russian companies, which sent it on to Syria.

“It says something about the seriousness of the violation, that the fuel has entered the minds of Russian fighter jets that have bombed Syria on behalf of Assad,” says Anders Rechendorff, senior plaintiff, the Public Prosecutor for Special Economic and International Crime (SØIK).

“It is of course very serious when you as a Danish company violate the EU sanctions imposed on another country in the light of a very critical situation.”

The parties may appeal the judgment to the High Court within 14 days.

Note: Earlier Manifold Times coverage regarding Bunker Holding/Dan-Bunkering’s breaches of EU sanctions can be found below:

Related: Statement regarding the city court of Odense’s ruling against Dan-Bunkering, Bunker Holding and CEO
RelatedDan-Bunkering, Bunker Holding and CEO guilty of Syria sanctions violations; fined USD 5.17 million in total
RelatedDan-Bunkering trial: Defence lawyer pleads for full acquittal of clients in court
RelatedDan-Bunkering trial: Court denies request sending case to European Court of Justice
RelatedDan-Bunkering trial: Denmark also bombed Syria, confirms defence counsel
Related: Dan-Bunkering trial: Prosecutors question Bunker Holding CEO Keld Demant
Related: Dan-Bunkering trial: Prosecution examines revealing email to Group Directors
Related: Dan-Bunkering trial: Hearing resumes after accusation of impartiality
RelatedDan-Bunkering trial: Hearing temporarily suspended due to impartiality
Related: Prominent prosecutor to lead spectacular lawsuit against Dan-Bunkering
RelatedBunker Holding:  ‘No signs’ in alleged breach of EU sanctions post internal investigation
Related: Experts: Bunker Holding alleged jet fuel sale significant to outcome of Syrian War
Related: Bunker Holding ‘surprised’ at fuel sale charge; maintains ‘full confidence’ in Group CEO
Related: Danish prosecutor proposes jail sentence for Bunker Holding Group CEO over jet fuel sale
Related: Bunker Holding & Dan Bunkering allegedly charged over EU sanctions violations
Related: Dan Bunkering ‘surprised’ SØIK has pressed charges over alleged EU sanction violations
Related: Dan-Bunkering: Everything has been investigated – the case should be closed
Related: Name ban on parties involved with Dan-Bunkering Syrian jet fuel deal lifted
Related: Dan-Bunkering Middelfart office searched by commercial crimes police
Related: Firm linked to alleged Dan-Bunkering Syrian war activities under sanction
Related: Update: Dan-Bunkering Syria jet fuel supply ops allegedly longer than thought
Related: Dan-Bunkering faces preliminary charges by SOIK with violation of EU Syria sanctions
Related: Investigations on Dan-Bunkering over alleged Syrian jet fuel deal start
Related: Danske Bank casts doubts on Dan-Bunkering reason for Syria investigation
Related: Danske Bank reported Dan-Bunkering to police in EU sanctions case
Related: Bunker company acknowledges flawed statement in EU sanctions case
Related: Unioil Supply dragged into Dan-Bunkering sanctions allegations
Related: Dan-Bunkering has not violated EU’s sanctions against Syria, it insists
Related: Nordea highlights stance on compliance after Dan-Bunkering discovery
Related: Danish media alleges Dan-Bunkering jet fuel deliveries during Syria war

 

Source: DR 
Photo credit: Tingey Injury Law Firm from Unsplash
Published: 16 December, 2021

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Winding up

Singapore: High Court to hear Norvic Shipping Asia winding up application on 31 July

Application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to Government Gazette notice.

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RESIZED singapore high court

An application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to a Tuesday (21 July) notice on the Government Gazette.

It noted the winding up application is directed to be heard before the Judge sitting in the General Division of the High Court at 10am on 31 July.

Any creditor or contributory of the company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the winding up application may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose.

A copy of the winding up application will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the company requiring the copy of the winding up application by the solicitors of the applicant’s, Oon & Bazul LLC, on payment of the regulated charge for the same.

The Applicant’s address is Hiridostraat 5, Gebouw Prismatrium, 1101CW Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Applicant’s solicitors are Oon & Bazul LLC of 103 Penang Rd, #04-04/05/06 Singapore 238467. 

Queries on the winding up application may be directed to the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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