Wallenius Wilhelmsen has successfully completed its first biofuel bunkering trial in Japan, which the company says marks a significant step in its global decarbonisation efforts.
At the Port of Yokohama, the Tamesis bunkered 400t of bio bunker B24 (VLSFO Blended), supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co. This milestone is part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability in shipping.
As part of its commitment to reducing GHG emissions, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has expanded its locations for biofuel supply. Since 2023, the expansion has included key ports in Belgium, Korea and Singapore. Expanding to Japan enhances the ability to operate more efficiently and sustainably across the global network.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set ambitious emission reduction targets to reach net-zero by 2040. This includes a 40% absolute reduction of well-to-wake GHG emissions by 2030 compared to its 2022 baseline, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.
Yasuyuki Sakurai, Senior Manager, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Orcelle Accelerator Taskforce, said: “Achieving these targets require a major shift in energy sources from conventional fuels to low and zero-carbon alternatives. Expanding supply locations and securing sufficient biofuels remain a priority, and we are pleased to have conducted our first B24 VLSFO blended biofuel bunkering trial in Yokohama. While our reduced carbon service customers fully support our mass-balance concept, ensuring sufficient biofuel usage across our entire fleet and trade lanes is key to achieving our long-term sustainability goals.”
Mitsuo Ueda, GM Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co added: “In anticipation of growing demand for biofuel in the marine sector, we have begun storing biofuel at our oil terminal in Onahama (Fukushima Prefecture) and supplying B24 in Tokyo Bay using our barges. We deeply admire Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s leadership in the decarbonisation of the shipping industry and remain committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future. We will continue striving to meet industry needs through a stable supply of biofuels and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.”
This milestone was achieved through close collaboration between Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Energy Sourcing team and the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce, which has worked for the past two years to establish biofuel bunkering capabilities in Japan.
The company remains dedicated to expanding its sustainable fuel options and accelerating the transition to cleaner shipping solutions.
Image: Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel ‘Tamesis’ takes on biofuel at Yokohama (source: Wallenius Wilhelmsen)
