NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP), a member of the NYK Group, has successfully operated the methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier ‘Green Future’ using low-carbon methanol fuel, achieving an approximately 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a well-to-wake basis compared to conventional fuel, for the transportation of copper concentrate for resources company BHP.
According to NYK Group research, this initiative is thought to represent the first use of low-carbon methanol fuel on an oceangoing bulk carrier.
The low-carbon methanol fuel was produced from biomass-derived feedstock and bunkered at Ulsan port, South Korea. The fuel is certified under ISCC EU standards, which are designed to verify the sustainability and traceability for biomass and biofuels. Through this effort, the NYK Group is exploring how low-carbon fuels can contribute to reducing Scope 1 emissions and support BHP in lowering Scope 3 emissions. Additionally, the initiative illustrates the potential for low-carbon methanol to help reduce the overall carbon footprint of copper products manufactured from transported copper concentrate.
This effort is said to demonstrate the NYK Group’s commitment to advancing decarbonisation in the global shipping industry through collaboration with cargo owners. NYK will continue to promote the use of low-carbon fuels and contribute to achieving a more sustainable supply chain.
Image: ‘Green Future’ berthing in Chile for loading of copper concentrates (credit: Inchcape Shipping Services)
