August 7, 2025 – In a pioneering step toward decarbonising maritime transport, CBH Group—Australia’s largest grain exporter—has partnered with Danish shipping company NORDEN to launch an innovative biofuel insetting pilot project. This marks a significant move toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime supply chain, setting a new benchmark for sustainable grain exports from Australia to Europe.
The initiative is the first of its kind in Australia, employing waste-based biofuels and book-and-claim accounting methods to power ocean freight voyages transporting Western Australian (WA) grain to the European Union (EU). In collaboration with both NORDEN and Oldendorff Carriers, CBH Group is taking a leading role in preparing Australia’s agricultural exports for emerging international environmental regulations.
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Cutting Emissions Without Cutting Into Profits
According to CBH Group, the biofuel-powered voyages resulted in substantial emissions reductions compared to traditional fossil fuel operations. Notably, this achievement came at no additional cost to WA grain growers, affirming the project’s commitment to sustainability without compromising economic value.
“This pilot shows that practical, environmentally sound shipping options are possible without increasing operational costs for producers,” said Pia Van Wyngaard, Head of Shipping at CBH Group. “We’re proud to work with industry leaders like NORDEN who bring the technical and logistical expertise needed to make these solutions viable on a global scale.”
Meeting EU Climate Targets with Maritime Innovation
The biofuel insetting initiative aligns with the EU’s aggressive climate strategy, ‘Fit for 55’, which seeks to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The legislative package includes new requirements for ships over 5,000 gross tonnage calling at EU ports, compelling shippers to refuel with renewable marine fuels or face steep financial penalties.
While many carriers have opted to pay the penalties rather than adopt biofuels, CBH and its partners have chosen to embrace innovation. Their approach not only mitigates regulatory risk but positions Australian grain exporters favorably in sustainability-focused markets like the EU.
“So far, eight voyages have been completed using this biofuel insetting method,” Van Wyngaard confirmed. “This initiative supports our broader sustainability goals and strengthens WA growers’ ability to meet global customer expectations.”
The Role of NORDEN: Enabling Smarter Global Trade
Founded in 1871, NORDEN is one of Denmark’s oldest and most respected shipping companies. With a fleet tailored to the dynamic demands of the global bulk and project cargo markets, NORDEN offers integrated freight solutions that help clients optimise and decarbonise their supply chains.
“Our partnership with CBH is a clear example of how collaborative innovation in the maritime sector can drive tangible environmental benefits, By leveraging our experience in renewable marine fuels and flexible fleet operations, we are supporting customers in achieving their decarbonisation targets efficiently and reliably.” Shared NORDEN
With a presence in 18 offices across six continents, NORDEN continues to push boundaries in sustainable ocean freight through its agile business model and data-driven logistics strategies.
About CBH Group
The CBH Group (Co-operative Bulk Handling) is one of Australia’s leading grain organisations and a cornerstone of Western Australia’s agricultural economy. Established over 90 years ago, CBH is a grower-owned and controlled co-operative, representing approximately 3,500 Western Australian grain growers. It has grown into a fully integrated agribusiness with operations spanning the entire grain value chain—including storage, handling, transport, marketing, shipping, and processing.
Headquartered in Western Australia, CBH has consistently evolved through innovation and long-term investment to meet the changing needs of growers and global markets. The co-operative’s core purpose is to sustainably create and return value to its members, helping them remain competitive in a global grain industry increasingly shaped by environmental regulation and consumer expectations.
About NORDEN
NORDEN is a global provider of ocean-based freight services, specialising in bulk and project cargo of all sizes. Founded in 1871, it is one of Denmark’s oldest internationally operating shipping companies and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen as part of the OMX Nordic Large Cap index.
NORDEN integrates ocean freight with port logistics to help customers optimise and decarbonise their supply chains. With 18 offices across six continents, NORDEN offers tailored freight solutions based on flexibility, reliability, and intelligence—supporting global trade through innovation and adaptability.