COSCO SHIPPING Lines, a global shipping company, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable shipping by setting new records for biofuel bunkering at Fujian Port and Port of Hong Kong. Two of its vessels, COSCO ASIA and NEW LOS ANGELES, successfully refueled with B24 marine biofuel oil, marking a crucial step in reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector.
COSCO ASIA took on 2,400 tons of B24 biofuel at the Xiamen Ocean Gate Container Terminal, establishing a new single-refueling record for biofuel oil at Fujian Port. Meanwhile, NEW LOS ANGELES received 5,400 tons of B24 at the Hong Kong terminal, setting a milestone for biofuel bunkering in the region. These efforts align with COSCO SHIPPING’s commitment to greener and more sustainable shipping practices.
Why is B24 Marine Biofuel Oil Gaining Popularity?
B24 marine biofuel oil consists of 24% sustainable biodiesel and 76% conventional low-sulfur fuel oil, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels. The use of biofuel significantly reduces carbon emissions, with studies indicating a 20% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to conventional marine fuels.
This biofuel is derived from renewable feedstocks, making it both widely available and sustainable. As shipping companies face increasing pressure to adopt greener practices, the adoption of B24 biofuel is expected to grow, helping the industry meet international decarbonization goals.
COSCO SHIPPING’s Commitment to Green Shipping
In alignment with global decarbonization efforts, COSCO SHIPPING has been at the forefront of developing dual-fuel powered vessels and promoting biofuel applications. The company has been conducting sea trials and biofuel bunkering operations to explore the extensive use of biofuels in maritime transportation.
One of its notable achievements occurred in June 2024, when COSCO ASIA bunkered 3,850 tons of B24 biofuel at Shekou Port in Shenzhen. At the time, this operation set the record for the largest single marine biofuel bunkering in China.
In August 2024, OOCL, a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings, joined forces with partners to launch a low-carbon shipping initiative aimed at replacing fossil fuels with B24 biofuel. This initiative underscores the growing industry-wide commitment to cutting carbon emissions across the supply chain.
In September 2024, COSCO SHIPPING further strengthened its green shipping efforts when XIN CHI WAN completed Fujian’s first bonded biofuel bunkering order for international vessels. This event represented a major breakthrough in the province’s marine green fuel sector, highlighting the increasing acceptance of biofuels as a viable alternative for sustainable shipping.
Accelerating the Transition to a Low-Carbon Future
Through its active involvement in biofuel bunkering and sea trials, COSCO SHIPPING continues to lead the industry’s shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable maritime operations. These initiatives not only support IMO decarbonization targets but also position the company as a frontrunner in the adoption of alternative fuels and low-carbon shipping solutions.
About COSCO SHIPPING Lines
COSCO SHIPPING Lines is a key business unit of COSCO SHIPPING Group, established through the merger of COSCO Container Lines Co., Ltd. and China Shipping Container Lines CO., Ltd. in 2016. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company operates a vast global shipping network, with domestic branches in nine major Chinese ports and international offices across Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, West Asia, South America, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Africa.
As of July 2024, COSCO SHIPPING Lines owns and operates 403 container vessels with a total capacity of 2.3 million TEUs. Including its subsidiary Orient Overseas International, the fleet expands to 529 vessels with a total capacity of 3.2 million TEUs.
With 413 shipping routes, including 275 international routes, the company services 617 ports in 145 countries and regions. Employing 16,700 professionals worldwide, COSCO SHIPPING Lines remains a leader in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the global shipping industry.
Source COSCO SHIPPING Lines