August 07, 2025

By Anjali Kochhar

The marine fuel industry, despite being a critical pillar of global trade, has long struggled with limited access to formal financing. High operating costs, fragmented credit systems, and a lack of tailored financial products have created a persistent, multi-billion-dollar liquidity gap. Now, a powerful collaboration between 129Knots and Green Link Digital Bank (GLDB) is set to change the game bringing structure, transparency, and scalable capital to an industry overdue for transformation.

The two companies have launched a global embedded finance initiative designed to unlock liquidity in the marine fuel sector. In the first phase, eligible borrowers within the global maritime ecosystem will gain access to working capital financing through 129Knots’ Origination-to-Distribution (OTD) platform.

Marine fuel accounts for one of the largest ongoing expenses in the shipping industry often three to five times higher than the capital cost of a vessel over its lifecycle. Yet, traditional financing models have overlooked this sector, leaving critical fuel operations dependent on fragmented credit. The new initiative from 129Knots and GLDB delivers embedded financial tools that meet the operational demands of marine businesses head-on.

Through the OTD platform, users can access institutional-grade liquidity, structured receivables financing, and programmable credit seamlessly integrated into daily transactions. While the current focus is on marine fuel, the platform is built to expand into alternative fuels, long-term capital expenditures, and energy transition financing.

As the partnership evolves, it will also introduce forward-looking solutions such as tokenized receivables, stablecoin settlements, and programmable payment instruments. These advancements will bring greater efficiency, transparency, and trust across procurement, financing, and settlement cycles.

Vikash Dhanuka, Founder and Group CEO of 129Knots, said the initiative will help transform marine fuel credit into a structured and scalable asset class. Melvin Teo, CEO of GLDB, emphasised the goal of embedding finance directly into business operations, removing traditional roadblocks in the process.

This collaboration marks more than just a new financing option it signals a shift toward a smarter, more connected marine industry. As 129Knots and GLDB work to fill a long-standing credit gap, they are also building the foundation for the next generation of maritime finance. For an industry that powers global trade, this could be the beginning of a much-needed financial revolution.

About the author

Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.