DS NORDEN, a renowned provider of ocean-based freight services, and MASH Makes, an innovative renewable energy company, have successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process. This historic trial paves the way for cleaner, more sustainable shipping operations and marks a significant step in reducing the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The vessel, which embarked on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, utilized 65 tonnes of fuel, blending 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine. This successful deployment of biofuel in a real-world maritime operation has demonstrated its potential to cut emissions without requiring new infrastructure, offering a practical solution to shipowners seeking to transition towards a more sustainable future.
Proof of Concept: MASH Makes Biofuel in Action
Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions at NORDEN, emphasized the importance of this trial, stating “This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operations.”
The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is a drop-in fuel, meaning it is fully compatible with existing marine engines without requiring modifications. The fuel’s seamless integration into current systems underscores its potential to reduce the shipping industry’s dependence on fossil fuels. For shipowners looking to cut emissions, this represents a crucial step forward, enabling emissions reductions even before the full implementation of international regulatory frameworks like the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) emission cap, which is set to take effect by 2028.
Shipping’s Emissions Challenge and the Need for Solutions
With the global shipping industry accounting for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and transporting 90% of the world’s goods, the sector is under increasing pressure to find alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Emerging alternatives such as green hydrogen and ammonia are still developing and require significant new infrastructure investments. In contrast, MASH Makes biofuel offers a drop-in solution that can be utilized immediately with existing systems—an essential advantage for the shipping industry, which is looking for rapid, cost-effective ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
Jakob Bejbro Andersen, CEO of MASH Makes, noted “Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today.”
Biofuel with a Carbon-Negative Edge
Unlike traditional biofuels, MASH Makes biofuel is produced through a unique carbon-negative process. The company converts agricultural residues into renewable energy through pyrolysis, a process that produces both biofuel and biochar—a carbon-rich material used in sustainable agriculture.
A recent Climate Impact Report from independent research firm Boundless Impact confirmed that MASH Makes’ biofuel production process is carbon-negative. The biochar produced during this process locks 3.14 tonnes of CO₂ for every tonne produced, sequestering the carbon permanently into the soil. As a result, for every tonne of biofuel produced, 5.7 tonnes of CO₂ are permanently removed from the atmosphere, making this solution a crucial tool for carbon removal and climate change mitigation.
Maria Jamarillo, Senior Analyst at Boundless Impact, explained “Our independent analysis shows that MASH Makes’ biofuel production process is carbon negative, driven by the permanent carbon sequestration achieved through the co-produced biochar and its use in sustainable agriculture.”
This makes MASH Makes biofuel not just a fuel alternative, but also a climate-positive solution that contributes to carbon removal goals. The company is actively working with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to further assess how biochar and biofuel can play a pivotal role in decarbonizing maritime transport.
The Path Forward: Scaling Up and Expanding
The success of this trial marks only the beginning. The next phase will involve testing MASH Makes biofuel in main engines, further expanding its application across commercial fleets. This will allow shipowners to use the biofuel in more areas of their vessels and explore the full potential of this sustainable alternative.
MASH Makes’ production facility in Karnataka, India currently processes 23,700 tonnes of agricultural waste annually, producing 3,400 tonnes of bio-oil. A second plant under construction will significantly increase capacity, with the goal of removing one gigatonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere by 2040.
About DS NORDEN: Pioneering Sustainable Shipping Solutions
Founded in 1871, NORDEN is one of Denmark’s oldest and most respected shipping companies. Specializing in ocean-based freight services for bulk and project cargo, the company integrates freight solutions with port logistics, helping customers optimize and decarbonize supply chains. With 18 offices across six continents, NORDEN plays a critical role in global trade and is committed to adapting its fleet to meet market developments and customer needs, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Henrik Røjel from NORDEN added “As part of our long-standing commitment to decarbonization, this trial is a significant step forward in integrating biofuels into our operations. It offers an immediate pathway to reduce our emissions and supports the broader efforts to meet global climate targets.”
About MASH Makes: Driving Change through Sustainability
At MASH Makes, sustainability is at the core of the business. The company is dedicated to converting organic waste into sustainable biofuels, biochar, and carbon removal solutions, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. By focusing on the development of carbon-negative biofuels, MASH Makes is driving forward the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
Their biochar is a carbon-rich material that improves soil health, boosts agricultural productivity, and serves as a natural, long-term carbon storage solution. By sequestering CO₂ in soil, MASH Makes’ solutions not only help mitigate climate change but also contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture practices.
Through its innovative biofuels and carbon removal initiatives, MASH Makes is advancing the fight against climate change, providing industries like shipping and energy with the tools they need to meet their decarbonization goals.
The Future of Sustainable Shipping
With the successful completion of this world-first trial, MASH Makes has proven that a sustainable, scalable alternative to fossil fuels is not only possible but ready for commercial use. As the shipping industry continues to seek ways to reduce emissions and combat climate change, solutions like MASH Makes biofuel offer a promising, immediate, and effective path toward a carbon-neutral future.