HMM-GS Caltex, Korea's First Biofuel Ship Trial Operation

Scheduled to Operate South America Route After 500t Refueling

HMM announced on the 15th that it will jointly launch the first-ever pilot operation of eco-friendly biofuel for ships in Korea with GS Caltex.

On the day, the HMM 6400TEU-class container ship Tacoma received biofuel produced and supplied by GS Caltex at Pier 4 of Busan New Port and began its voyage. Having received 500 tons of biofuel, the ship will operate on South American routes including Singapore and Santos after departing from Busan, collecting related data. This data will also be provided to government agencies to contribute to the government-led ‘Development Project for Biofuel for Ships.’

Biofuel for ships is a fuel produced by mixing waste-based biodiesel and marine fuel oil (Bunker C oil) at a ratio of 3:7 respectively. It can be used without modifying existing ship engines, drawing attention as a key means to achieve the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s greenhouse gas reduction plan.

The company expects about a 24% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when using biofuel for ships. It plans to gradually increase its adoption to about 5-10% of the total annual fuel consumption.

HMM vessel refueling at Singapore Port
[Photo by HMM]

On April 26, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to this. At that time, HMM agreed to cooperate in maritime demonstration and demand securing of biofuel for ships, while GS Caltex committed to stable supply of the biofuel.

HMM stated, “Through the first domestic pilot operation of biofuel for ships, we will continuously strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” adding, “We plan to leap forward as a global top-tier shipping company by strengthening our eco-friendly competitiveness.”

Lee Seung-hoon, Vice President of GS Caltex, said, “As the first domestic refinery to produce biofuel for ships, we have started the first pilot operation, and we plan to expand the supply of biofuel not only to domestic shipping companies but also to global shipping companies refueling in Korean waters to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping sector.”

HMM has been making efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. In 2021, it conducted ship demonstrations using bio-heavy oil in the Pacific section. In February of this year, it ordered nine eco-friendly container ships powered primarily by methanol. In April, it signed agreements related to research and development of carbon capture systems for ships, as well as agreements on ammonia and methanol transportation and bunkering operations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.