Singapore-based container operator Pacific International Lines (PIL) on Wednesday (6 December) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DP World, which handles around 10% of the world’s container trade, to jointly develop green solutions to decarbonise global supply chains.

In the near term, both parties will collaborate on trial shipments between Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and destinations within PIL’s network, with initiatives to reduce the shipments’ GHG footprint. This will include shipments on PIL’s vessels powered by a biofuel blend, biofuel bunkering, and deploying container handling equipment at terminals that run on renewable energy to handle the shipments.

Over the longer term, the companies will explore expanding this partnership to include other ports within DP World’s global network, and using other alternative bunker fuels, such as e-LNG, green methanol or green ammonia in PIL’s vessel operations and bunkering.

It was signed by Mr Lars Kastrup, Chief Executive Officer, PIL and Mr Tiemen Meester, Group Chief Operating Officer, Ports & Terminals, DP World, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), conveying their commitment to combating climate change and the collective goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 or earlier.

Mr Lars Kastrup, Chief Executive Officer, PIL said: “Supply chain resilience and sustainability is the bedrock of global trade growth. With the renewed commitment by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) this year to take a significant step forward to decarbonise the shipping industry, we at PIL are responding actively to IMO’s call and working to invest in and implement green solutions to achieve our target of achieving net zero by 2050. In this regard, we are pleased to have DP World joining us on our sustainability journey. Capitalising on the combined strengths of our two organisations, we can both augment our sustainability efforts as we co-develop solutions to decarbonise our supply chains.”

Mr Tiemen Meester, Group Chief Operating Officer, Ports & Terminals, DP World, said: “Decarbonisation is the single biggest concern for DP World outside the constraints and the physical movement of goods. So, we are transforming our business and the impact global trade has on the climate. We have already committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2040 and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But we must explore partnerships with companies that share our ambitions and technology to be deployed right now for quicker results.”

Photo credit: DP World
Published: 7 December, 2023

Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) on Monday (4 December) said it was hosting an exclusive webinar hosted by Alpha Biofuels in the next instalment of SSA’s Educational Talks on 8 December. 

Alpha Biofuels’ Founder and CEO Mr Allan Lim will share insights into the diverse types of biofuels available in the market and cover their widespread applications across various industries, including shipping. 

The talk will cover topics focused on biofuel such as:

• Introduction of Alpha Biofuels

• Exploring Biofuel Types and Usage

• The Importance of Sustainability Certification

• Operational Efficiency and Storage Best Practices:

The details of the event are as follows: 

Date: Friday, 8 December 2023
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: ZOOM

Note: To register, click on this link (SSA/098/23/EML) here.

Photo credit: Singapore Shipping Association
Published: 5 December, 2023

Global mining firm Vale on Thursday (30 November) said in partnership with Oldendorff Carriers, it has commenced its first biofuel voyage on a bulk vessel. 

The trial is taking place on an Oldendorff vessel performing a laden Vale voyage from Brazil to Asia, carrying a full cargo of iron ore. 

Hinrich Oldendorff loaded the biofuel in Singapore on 16 October on the ballast voyage to Brazil. The vessel then loaded Vale’s iron ore 29 November at Guaiba Island Terminal and will consume the blended biofuel on the laden leg from Brazil to Asia.

The B24 biofuel on board is a blend of about 24% biodiesel produced with used cooking oil of vegetable origin (286 metric tonnes) and fuel oil. The product supplied is both European Union Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED) compliant and certified by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). The expected well-to-wake CO2 equivalent savings is around 18% or 785 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent and will contribute to Vale’s Scope 3 emission reduction.

Using biofuel on the laden voyage is part of the Ecoshipping program, an R&D initiative developed by Vale shipping area to reduce the shipping greenhouse gas emissions in line with the ambitions set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

The programme is testing and developing solutions for the use of alternative fuels for shipping, in addition to piloting new energy efficiency technologies. 

Michelle Gonzalez, General Manager of Chartering, Long-Term Contracts and Operations at Vale, said: “We are happy to have great shipping partners committed to support our initiatives and make it happen, genuine collaborations and partnerships will be the key of the success.”

Oldendorff Carriers has previously performed biofuel trials on smaller vessels and for shorter voyages, but this will be Oldendorff's first full voyage consuming biofuel on a Newcastlemax.

Patrick Hutchins, CEO of Oldendorff Carriers, said: “We are delighted that Vale has chosen Oldendorff Carriers for their first biofuel voyage. We look forward to investigating further opportunities together with Vale to advance the shipping and mining industries progress in achieving sustainability goals.”

Photo credit: Vale
Published: 4 December, 2023