Alternative Fuels

BHP, Pan Pacific Copper, Norsepower explore wind-assisted propulsion onboard “M/V Koryu”

Parties are conducting a technical assessment and plan a retrofit installation of wind-assisted propulsion system onboard the 53,762 dwt combination carrier.

Published

3 years ago

August 11, 2022

Admin

BHP on Wednesday (10 August) partnered with Pan Pacific Copper (PPC), a member of JX Nippon Mining & Metals group, and Norsepower, a provider of auxiliary wind propulsion systems, to explore the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transportation between BHP’s mines in Chile and PPC’s smelters in Japan.

The parties are conducting a technical assessment and plan a retrofit installation of wind-assisted propulsion system onboard the M/V Koryu, a combination carrier operated by Nippon Marine – a member of SENKO group (shares hold by SENKO 60%, JX Nippon Mining & Metals 40%).

BHP and PPC have multi-year agreements for delivery of copper concentrates from Chile to Japan as well as sulphuric acid from Japan to Chile, making the cargo capacity utilisation of M/V Koryu (a 53,762 dwt combination carrier) one of the highest in the industry.

Norsepower’s Rotor Sails installation – a "push-button wind propulsion” system and estimated to be around ten times more efficient than a conventional sail that requires no reefing or crew attention when in operation – is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2023, which is expected to make M/V Koryu the cleanest vessel in its category when measured for GHG emissions intensity.

Norsepower’s Rotor Sails are modernised versions of Flettner rotors, and the technology is based on the Magnus effect that harnesses wind to maximise ship fuel efficiency. When wind conditions are favourable, Rotor Sails allow the main engines to be throttled back, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while also reducing power needed to maintain speed and voyage time.

BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant, said: “Identifying and implementing innovative and sustainable solutions through our strong commodity and supply chain partnerships remain essential in supporting BHP’s decarbonisation ambitions. We look forward to working with PPC on the wind-assisted propulsion system to enable further GHG emissions reduction in our supply chain and add to the already strong partnership between BHP and PPC.”

JX Nippon Mining & Metals Deputy Chief Executive Officer / PPC President, Kazuhiro Hori, said “PPC and BHP has been sharing the mission to accelerate the activities for decarbonization in line with our respective climate targets and goals.”

“The Koryu project is a good example of our collaboration and valuable step that proves eagerness by both companies to establish ecosystem partnerships to take on the climate challenge. We are looking forward to further developing the partnership with BHP in various areas.”

Norsepower CSO, Jukka Kuuskoski, said: “Our vision is to set the standard in bringing sailing back to shipping, and empower the maritime industry towards reaching the goal of zero carbon emissions. As fuel prices increase and a carbon levy is initiated, investing in technologies which have proven emissions reductions and fuel savings is essential for long term commercial success.”

“Working with BHP, PPC and Nippon Marine demonstrates the increased commitment to greener operations, particularly within the bulk carrier market. We look forward to completing the installation and seeing the results.”

This latest partnership with PPC and Norsepower follows BHP’s collaboration agreements in the maritime decarbonisation segment that includes the first marine biofuel trial involving an ocean-going vessel bunkered in Singapore, taking delivery of the first of five LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers and joining a consortium to assess the development of an iron ore Green Corridor between Australia and East Asia. BHP is also a founding member of the Global Maritime Decarbonisation Centre in Singapore.

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 11 August, 2022

Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:

Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

Shipping Corridor

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe shipping corridor

Corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton.

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe green shipping corridor

Korean non-government organisation Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) on Wednesday (23 April) released a report proposing the establishment of a green methanol-fuelled South Korea-Europe shipping corridor.

The proposed corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, presenting strategic pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

South Korea has announced its “Greenship-K Program” to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and set a national goal to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050.

Focusing on a green methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operation model, the report quantitatively assessed the potential for greenhouse gas reduction along key routes. Notably, the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek route alone is estimated to reduce more than 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, given its high cargo volume.

The report proposed the adoption of green methanol as the primary fuel for the corridor, with a long-term goal to transition toward e-methanol. This shift is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional fossil fuel use.

Beyond fuel switching, the report emphasised the importance of securing a stable green fuel supply chain, establishing supportive legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering close public-private cooperation among shipping companies, cargo owners, port operators, and fuel suppliers to make the corridor a viable reality.

“With these foundational elements in place, Pyeongtaek Port is well positioned to become the starting point of Korea’s transition toward a decarbonised maritime sector,” SFOC said.

Note: The full report by SFOC can be viewed here and it is also available in Korean here.

Photo credit: Solutions for Our Climate
Published: 25 April, 2025

Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process.

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications.

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage.

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025