Berge Bulk and BHP have partnered to test an iron ore voyage from Australia to China powered entirely by B100 biodiesel.
The Berge Lyngor, a 206,330 DWT Newcastlemax bulk carrier, is delivering iron ore from Australia to China. In December, the vessel successfully bunkered B100 biodiesel, marking 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.
…said Gerard Ang, Head of Maritime Iron Ore, BHP.
Furthermore, according to the Burge Bulk statement, converting to new fuels is a key part of the company’s Maritime Marshall Plan for decarbonisation. The company has been 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.
…said Duncan Bond, Chief Commercial Officer, Berge Bulk.
