Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K LINE) has reached a significant milestone in advancing Japan’s energy transition with its first-ever marine biofuel bunkering operation for its operated vessel. On December 9, the car carrier VIKING OCEAN was supplied with this innovative fuel at the Yokohama Daikoku C-4 Terminal, a finished-vehicle terminal operated by the “K” LINE Group. The vessel is owned by Gram Car Carriers, a Norwegian company and long-term partner of “K” LINE.
Advancing the Energy Transition with Biofuels
This event underscores the growing role of biofuels in the global shipping industry’s push toward sustainability. The marine biofuel supplied to the VIKING OCEAN features a blend of 24% FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). This blend is projected to cut approximately 190 tons of CO₂ emissions during the voyage. FAME, derived from renewable organic materials such as non-food biomass, offers a reduction of about 84% in CO₂ emissions across its life cycle (well-to-wake) without requiring modifications to existing engines.
“K” LINE’s Environmental Vision 2050, titled “Blue Seas for the Future,” sets ambitious targets for decarbonization. By 2030, the company aims to improve CO₂ emissions efficiency by 50% compared to 2008, exceeding the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) target of 40%. Looking further ahead, “K” LINE has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
To meet these goals, “K” LINE is actively exploring and adopting alternative fuels, including zero-emission options like ammonia and hydrogen, as well as carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.
Collaboration Driving Progress
The partnership between “K” LINE and Gram Car Carriers demonstrates the importance of collaboration in accelerating decarbonization. As a trusted partner, Gram Car Carriers provides the vessel platform for “K” LINE to implement groundbreaking solutions, reflecting the shared commitment to sustainable shipping.
A Model for Sustainable Shipping in Japan
This successful biofuel bunkering operation at Yokohama represents a step forward in Japan’s energy transition and highlights the potential for biofuels to play a key role in reducing the shipping industry’s environmental impact. By leveraging renewable resources that do not compete with food supplies, “K” LINE is paving the way for a greener future in maritime transportation.
About K LINE
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is a leading maritime transportation company headquartered in Japan. With a strong commitment to sustainability, “K” LINE is focused on reducing its carbon footprint and advancing low-carbon technologies, including its pioneering efforts in carbon capture and storage (CCS) transport. Through its “Environmental Vision 2050,” “K” LINE is working to create a carbon-free future while delivering world-class maritime services.
Source “K” Line