Shipping companies NORDEN and BHP have partnered to reduce carbon emissions by using a large quantity of biofuel on a recent voyage. The partnership saw the use of approximately 1,000 tonnes of 100% biofuel (B100) on the Capesize vessel NORD Steel, which sailed from Hay Point, Australia to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The use of biofuel on this voyage is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by around 2,500 tonnes compared to using conventional fossil fuels. This is equivalent to removing 543 fossil-fuelled vehicles from the roads for a year.
BHP’s Head of Maritime, Sarah Greenough, expressed enthusiasm about working with NORDEN to promote the use of biofuels as part of their efforts to reduce emissions from their supply chain. “Since our first biofuel trial in 2021, we have introduced biofuel blends into our fuel mix for selected voyages on our major shipping routes,” she said.
NORDEN’s CEO, Jan Rindbo, praised BHP’s commitment to decarbonizing the shipping industry, saying that they were proud to be supporting their efforts.
In related news, NORDEN recently completed Singapore’s first-ever 100% biofuel bunkering in May 2024. The company had previously trialed a B24/VLSFO blend on one of its vessels and was entrusted by vessel owner ITOCHU Corporation to carry out the historic B100 bunkering.
This partnership and other initiatives demonstrate the shipping industry’s growing focus on reducing its environmental impact. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, such efforts could play a crucial role in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
