BHP and GCMD Trial Multi-Feedstock B100 Blend in an Existing Supply Chain

(BHP) BHP and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) have blended biofuels from two distinct feedstocks—used cooking oil and waste animal fats —and introduced the lower-emissions marine fuel into a BHP-chartered bulk carrier as part of a pilot project.

The BHP and GCMD pilot will assess how biofuels from multiple feedstocks can be blended, handled, and introduced under real-world operating conditions using existing used cooking oil bunkering infrastructure.

At the same time, insights from this pilot will help identify solutions to challenges related to fuel quality, handling, traceability, and onboard vessel performance.

Biofuels for global shipping today rely heavily on used cooking oil – a feedstock whose availability is approaching its projected limits. Biofuel from waste animal fats presents a promising option to expand the supply of lower-emissions marine fuels.

The outcomes of the pilot are expected to shed light on the practical steps to integrate biofuel blends from different feedstocks into existing supply chains. The diversity of biofuels will provide shipowners and operators with greater flexibility to optimise fuel procurement based on cost, availability, and lifecycle emissions performance.

Biofuels derived from different feedstocks can exhibit varying properties that may impact operations, including potential corrosion from oxidation, fuel system clogging caused by wax formation, which this pilot aims to assess.

The pilot will trace and verify the biofuel blend’s integrity aimed at bolstering confidence in emissions reductions reporting. The pilot will also provide insights into how robust tracing can support future marine fuel supply chains where biofuels from multiple feedstocks with varying lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions footprints are blended together.

The bio-blend in the BHP and GCMD pilot is being used on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier Berge Lyngor, owned and operated by Berge Bulk, transporting BHP iron ore from Western Australia to China. When run on bio-blend, the vessel has the potential to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 79 per cent per voyage compared to sailing on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

The vessel bunkered in Singapore in early May with a B100 bio-blend comprising 50 per cent tallow-derived biodiesel, sourced and supplied by HAMR Energy, and 50 per cent used cooking oil (UCOME) supplied by Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore (METS).

Mitsui also blended the fuel and Dan-Bunkering coordinated and executed the bunkering operation, which was performed by Global Energy’s barge MT Maple.

This project is co-funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore under the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT).

“This initiative reflects the shared commitment of BHP and GCMD in the maritime value chain to unlock scalable, credible lower-emissions fuel pathways, as well as the importance of mobilising the industry to deliver decarbonisation solutions.

“As the world’s largest bulk charterer, we want to continue to test and trial alternative fuels that will help increase supply and send industry demand signals for further investment.

“At a time when fuel security is vitally important to global trade, building opportunities for future biofuels is critical. Along with LNG and ammonia, biodiesel has a big role to play in the future supply of sustainable marine fuels.”

“Building on the experience and insights from our earlier biofuel pilots, GCMD has developed a robust framework to safeguard the integrity of biofuel use across quantity, quality and life cycle GHG emissions abatement. This framework provides a strong foundation to evaluate how a broader range of biofuels from alternative feedstocks, including animal tallow can be credibly integrated into existing and new marine fuel supply chains.”

“This project shows the huge potential of biofuels to power fleets, reduce emissions and strengthen fuel security by diversifying supplies.

“At HAMR Energy, we are focused on working with partners to unlock these opportunities. We are seeing increasing interest from users and a growing industry of fuel producers ready to meet this demand. The success of this trial is an important step in embedding biofuels from various feedstock sources in the shipping fuel mix.”

“Berge Bulk has been gaining experience using biofuel (B30, B50, and B100) on voyages since 2021. Over the past year alone, our biofuel voyages avoided more than 13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. It’s an important element of our decarbonisation plan alongside efficiency, technology, and carbon capture.” READ MORE

Excerpt from Safety4Sea: NYK has launched a one-year trial of continuous operation on 100% biofuel (B100) aboard one of its car carriers to assess the fuel’s long-term safety and operational feasibility.

The initiative will evaluate how B100 affects engines, fuel systems, and vessel operations under real-world conditions, helping the company build technical knowledge for broader adoption of high-purity biofuels. As explained, NYK has already tested biofuel blends such as B24 and expanded usage to B30, but industry experience with sustained use of pure biofuel (B100) remains limited.

As the shipping industry seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biofuels are gaining attention as a practical “drop-in” solution because they can be used with existing engines and infrastructure.

By collecting operational data over the next year, NYK aims to verify safe vessel operation, understand equipment impacts, and support the wider deployment of high-purity biofuels as part of its decarbonization strategy.

To remind, in late 2025, NYK had highlighted on its “Progress Report 2025 – NYK Group Decarbonization Story” updates on initiatives toward Net-Zero GHG emissions by 2050, reporting increased use of biofuels. READ MORE