Berge Bulk, BHP launch iron-ore voyages using 100% biodiesel

Photo: Berge Bulk

Berge Bulk and the Australian mining company BHP have joined forces to pioneer an iron-ore voyage from Australia to China powered entirely by 100 percent biodiesel (B100).

The Berge Lyngor, a 206,330-deadweight tonnage (DWT) Newcastlemax bulk carrier, is delivering iron ore from Australia to China.

Last month, the vessel successfully bunkered B100 biodiesel.

This pilot 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 (GHG) emissions from shipping of our products,” said JGerard Ang, BHP’s head of maritime iron ore.

“Together, we are demonstrating that meaningful progress can be achieved through bold initiatives, innovation and teamwork,” Ang added.

Made from vegetable oil, animal fat or used cooking oil from restaurants, the use of B100 biodiesel translates to an almost 84 percent reduction in well-to-wake GHG emissions compared to the equivalent quantity of conventional fossil-fuel oil, according to Berge Bulk.

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,” said Duncan Bond, Berge Bulk’s chief commercial officer.

“This collaboration with BHP is a testament to what we can achieve together,” Bond said.

“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,” Bond added.