The use of biofuel in the shipping industry is gaining momentum. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, a Taiwanese shipping company, has recently bunkered its 11,000 TEU container ship YM Together with B30 HSFO biofuel at Pusan Port in South Korea. This initiative marks the first time a foreign-flagged vessel has used biofuel in South Korea.
The B30 HSFO biofuel is a blend of used cooking oil (UCO) from native plants, meeting ISO 8217 and International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards. This biofuel has been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional marine fuels.
The use of biofuel is just one aspect of Yang Ming’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The company has also implemented various energy-saving measures on its vessels, including scrubbers and shore power systems. These measures aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Yang Ming has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is committed to using ISCC-certified biofuel to cap its total yearly greenhouse gas emissions. The company believes that the use of biofuel can help reduce the pressure of carbon emissions on entire supply chains and contribute to a more sustainable future for maritime transport.
The successful bunkering of biofuel on YM Together demonstrates the potential for the use of alternative fuels in the shipping industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the use of biofuel and other alternative fuels develops and becomes more widespread.
