Singapore-based Berge Bulk and BHP launch B100 biodiesel-powered iron ore voyages

Singapore-headquartered dry bulk owner Berge Bulk on Sunday (5 January) said it has joined forces with BHP to collaborate on an iron ore voyage from Australia to China powered entirely by B100 biodiesel.

The Berge Lyngor, a 206,330 DWT Newcastlemax bulk carrier, is delivering iron ore from Australia to China. Last month, the vessel successfully bunkered B100 biodiesel. This pilot marked the first use of B100 biodiesel on the iron ore trade route between Australia and China.

This latest voyage of the Berge Lyngor also represents the first time Berge Bulk will be using biodiesel on a voyage in the Pacific.

“This collaboration with Berge Bulk represents an exciting step in BHP’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping of our products. Together, we are demonstrating that meaningful progress can be achieved through bold initiatives, innovation, and teamwork,” said Gerard Ang, Head of Maritime Iron Ore, BHP.

B100 biodiesel uses vegetable oil, animal fat, tallow and/or waste cooking oil from restaurants and industrial kitchens and translates to an almost 84% reduction in well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the equivalent quantity of conventional fossil fuel oil.

The company has been proactively exploring various fuels with potential for lower GHG emissions voyages:

• Biodiesel: Berge Bulk has been gaining experience using biodiesel (B30, B50, and B100) on voyages from Europe and North America since 2021.
• Ammonia: In 2024, Berge Bulk announced plans to build two ammonia powered ships to be delivered by 2027.
• Methanol: In 2024, Berge Bulk also became a member of The Methanol Institute — the trade association for the global methanol industry, representing the world’s leading producers, distributors, shippers and technology companies.

“Berge Bulk has committed to building and operating a zero Scope 1 emissions vessel by 2030 and achieving zero Scope 1 emissions fleetwide by 2050. This collaboration with BHP is a testament to what we can achieve together,” said Duncan Bond, Chief Commercial Officer, Berge Bulk.

“By deploying B100 biodiesel on the Berge Lyngor, we are not only reducing carbon emissions for that voyage but also setting an example of how partnerships and innovation can lead to a greener future for shipping.”

Photo credits: Berge Bulk
Published: 7 January, 2024