Singapore-based dry bulk shipowner Berge Bulk and global mining giant BHP have completed a pioneering iron ore voyage from Australia to China powered entirely by B100 biodiesel.
In December 2024, the 2019-built Berge Lyngor (206,330 dwt) was bunkered with B100 biodiesel, marking the first use of this fuel on the Australia-China iron ore trade route. B100 biodiesel, made from vegetable oil, animal fat, tallow, and waste cooking oil, can reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by almost 84% compared to conventional fossil fuels.
This also marks the first time Berge Bulk used biodiesel on a Pacific voyage.
“This collaboration with Berge Bulk represents an exciting step in BHP’s ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping,” said Gerard Ang, Head of Maritime Iron Ore, BHP. “We are demonstrating that meaningful progress can be achieved through bold initiatives, innovation, and teamwork.”
Duncan Bond, Chief Commercial Officer at Berge Bulk, added: “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.”
Berge Bulk’s Maritime Marshall Plan for decarbonization includes trials with biodiesel (B30, B50, and B100) since 2021, as well as plans to build two ammonia-powered ships by 2027. The company has also joined The Methanol Institute to further its sustainability efforts.
