IINO Lines and J-POWER have successfully completed a first-of-its-kind biofuel trial on the Rotor Sail-equipped bulk carrier YODOHIME. By combining wind-assisted propulsion with a B24 biofuel blend on a voyage from Australia to Japan, the partners have demonstrated a viable pathway for the decarbonization of the dry bulk sector using existing engine technology and renewable biomass.
Tokyo, Japan | March 9, 2026 – In a major technical milestone for the “Green Pacific” corridor, IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (IINO Lines) and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER) have successfully completed a biofuel trial voyage on the bulk carrier YODOHIME.
This voyage represents a significant “first” for a Japanese domestic electric power company, showcasing the powerful synergy between wind-assisted propulsion technology and next-generation drop-in fuels to drive the maritime industry toward carbon neutrality.
Technical Synergy: Wind Meets Biomass
The YODOHIME, a 2016-built bulk carrier, is already a standout in the dry bulk sector due to its Norsepower Rotor Sail. The installation, completed in early 2025, features a 24-meter-tall cylindrical sail that utilizes the Magnus Effect and real-time AI sensors to generate thrust.
By combining this wind-assisted propulsion with a B24 biofuel blend, the partners are targeting a massive cumulative reduction in the vessel’s carbon footprint. While the Rotor Sail alone reduces fuel consumption by 6–10%, the transition to biofuel offers an 80–90% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Voyage Timeline & Operations
The trial followed a strategic trans-Pacific route, testing the fuel’s stability and performance across varying sea states:
- Bunkering: The B24 biofuel, a mixture of 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derived from waste cooking oil and 76% Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), was supplied at Zhoushan Port, China, on January 18, 2026.
- Transit: The vessel utilized the fuel during its voyage from Australia to Japan.
- Completion: Sea trials were successfully finalized on February 15, with the vessel arriving in Japan in late February to complete its mission.
Carbon Neutrality by 2050
The trial is the latest execution of the long-term sustainability roadmaps held by both IINO Lines and J-POWER.
IINO Lines is currently operating under its mid-term management plan, “The Adventure to Our Sustainable Future,” which mandates a total transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. For IINO, the YODOHIME serves as a floating laboratory for “Green Marine Transport,” proving that existing diesel engines require zero modification to run on cleaner, biomass-derived alternatives.
J-POWER is simultaneously pushing its “BLUE MISSION 2050” initiative. The company has set aggressive targets to slash CO2 emissions by 9.2 million tons by the end of FY2025 and 22.5 million tons by 2030. This trial proves J-POWER’s commitment to decarbonizing its entire supply chain—not just the power plants, but the very ships that deliver the resources.
Company Profiles
About IINO Lines
Established in 1899, IINO Lines (IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd.) is a cornerstone of Japanese shipping. The company operates a global fleet of 90 vessels, including 4 VLCCs, 32 chemical tankers, 23 dry bulk carriers, 8 large gas carriers, and 23 medium and small gas carriers. (as of December 31, 2025), specializing in the transport of energy resources including crude oil, LNG, LPG, and petrochemicals. IINO is a pioneer in adopting innovative technologies, such as wind propulsion and next-generation fuels, to achieve its 2050 carbon-neutral goal.
About J-POWER
Founded in 1952, J-POWER (Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.) is a leading international electric power company headquartered in Tokyo. Their diverse portfolio includes hydroelectric, thermal, wind, geothermal, and solar power. Through the “BLUE MISSION 2050,” J-POWER is accelerating the development of CO2-free power sources and promoting the global supply of carbon-free hydrogen.
Source: IINO Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. | Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.