Singapore shipping company Berge Bulk and Australian mining company BHP have joined forces to pioneer an iron ore voyage from Australia to China powered entirely by B100 biodiesel. The partners say this marks the first use of B100 biodiesel on the iron ore trade route between Australia and China.
“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 JGerard Ang, Head of Maritime Iron Ore, BHP.
Bulk ships and cargo ships using conventional fossil fuels have the highest level of CO2 emissions. 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.
Converting to new fuels is a key part of Berge Bulk’s Maritime Marshall Plan for decarbonization. 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.
This latest voyage of the Berge Lyngor represents the first time Berge Bulk will be using biodiesel on a voyage in the Pacific.
“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. 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.” said Duncan Bond, Chief Commercial Officer, Berge Bulk.
Berge Bulk’s decarbonization timeline consists of three key milestones:
- Offset 100% of Scope 1 carbon emissions from 2025 onward;
- Build and operate a zero-emissions vessel by 2030;
- Achieve zero Scope 1 carbon emissions fleetwide by 2050.
To meet this timeline, Berge Bulk has developed the four-pillar “Maritime Marshall Plan” focusing on:
- improving fleet efficiency;
- leveraging the latest maritime technology;
- converting to new fuels;
- capturing the remaining carbon directly or indirectly.
