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

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

Nesti on Thursday (24 April) said it is continuing its collaboration with Finnish company Eckerö Line, which operates ferry services between Helsinki and Tallinn, to reduce maritime emissions. 

Eckerö Line provides freight and passenger services on the Baltic Sea and is the first company in Finland to adopt Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ for commercial maritime transport. 

By replacing a part of the fuel it uses for its operations with Neste MY Renewable Diesel, Eckerö Line responds to the 2% emissions reduction requirement of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect at the beginning of 2025, and encourages the use of lower-emission fuels in maritime transport.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel, made from 100% waste and residue raw materials for the Finnish market, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 90% over the fuel's lifecycle compared to using fossil diesel.

“Neste MY Renewable Diesel meets our needs well. We can use it as is in our existing fleet of ships operating in the Gulf of Finland to reduce our vessels' greenhouse gas emissions, thereby meeting the requirements of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect at the beginning of the year,” said Taru Keronen, CEO, Eckerö Line.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel has a similar chemical composition to fossil diesel, and therefore it can be used in all diesel-powered vessels without additional investments or modifications to existing equipment or fuel distribution infrastructure.

“The need to mitigate climate change is more urgent than ever. It's great that, as a partner and with Neste's renewable fuel, we can also support the maritime sector's transition towards lower-emission transport. Eckerö Line is setting a great example in this regard,” said Joni Pihlström, VP, Marketing & Services, Neste.

Photo credit: Eckerö Line
Published: 25 April, 2025