In a groundbreaking development for the bunkering and maritime sustainability sectors, Odfjell SE, a global leader in the chemical tanker and terminal services industry, has successfully completed a near carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage using a dual propulsion approach that pairs cutting-edge suction sails with certified sustainable 100% marine biofuel. The chemical tanker Bow Olympus is at the heart of this industry milestone, showcasing the viability of combining existing technologies and alternative fuels to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in deep-sea shipping.
The vessel’s ongoing voyage demonstrates an 85% reduction in GHG intensity, aligning with the 2050 FuelEU Maritime GHG targets and the IMO’s GFI Direct Compliance standards—achievements reached 25 years ahead of regulatory timelines.
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Wind Power and Biofuel: A Game-Changing Bunkering Strategy
The Bow Olympus, a five-year-old, 49,000 dwt chemical tanker, is currently crossing the Atlantic propelled by four 22-meter suction sails and biofuel derived from certified sustainable waste materials. The dual-fuel solution significantly slashes both carbon output and daily fuel consumption, proving the practical and economic viability of new propulsion strategies.
According to VP of Technology Erik Hjortland, real-time monitoring during the vessel’s voyage confirms an average fuel saving of five tons per day—equivalent to 15 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided daily. In certain legs of the voyage, fuel savings peaked at 40%, underlining the potential of wind-assisted propulsion when paired with optimized routing.
“This is more than a proof of concept,” said Hjortland. “We’re seeing that even modest wind angles—such as 15 degrees on the bow—can contribute significant propulsion support. That expands the scenarios in which these sails can be used, making the return on investment even more promising.”
Biofuel Bunkering: No Retrofit Required, High Compliance Achieved
In parallel with the wind propulsion system, Bow Olympus bunkered and operated on 100% sustainable biofuel, sourced from waste-based materials certified by bodies recognized under both IMO and EU regulations. Notably, the vessel required no technical modifications or retrofitting to consume the alternative fuel, proving that current fleets can transition toward sustainable bunkering options with minimal disruption.
This voyage proves that biofuel can serve as a drop-in solution, yielding immediate and scalable emissions reductions. It also underscores the potential for fuel flexibility in the transition to a carbon-neutral future, a key concern for stakeholders across the bunkering supply chain.
Data-Driven Route Optimization with AI
Enhancing the effectiveness of the wind-assist system was a next-generation AI-based weather routing platform, which allowed Bow Olympus to capitalize on real-time wind conditions. This dynamic navigation approach ensured optimal deployment of the sails, extending their usage windows and stabilizing vessel operations through natural roll-damping effects.
Beyond Conventional Upgrades: Odfjell’s Long-Term Decarbonization Path
With over 140 energy-efficiency technologies already deployed across its fleet, Odfjell has reduced its carbon intensity by 53% compared to the 2008 IMO baseline. The company’s next target—a 57% reduction by 2030—will require a shift from conventional upgrades to next-generation solutions, including fuel switching and wind propulsion.
“We are entering a new phase,” Hjortland noted. “This voyage is just the beginning. We’re collecting valuable operational data that will guide future deployments and refinements, taking into account different vessel types, routes, and conditions.”
Implications for the Bunkering Industry
This voyage sends a powerful message to bunker suppliers, fuel producers, and shipowners alike: near carbon-neutral transatlantic shipping is technically and operationally feasible today—not decades from now. For bunker operators, the results also emphasize the growing importance of alternative fuels and wind-assisted propulsion integration in meeting global decarbonization mandates.
As the Bow Olympus reaches European shores this weekend, Odfjell has demonstrated a viable path forward for the global maritime sector—combining proven technologies with future-ready fuels to radically lower emissions without sacrificing performance or profitability.
About Odfjell SE
Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, the Odfjell Group is a global leader in the chemical tanker and terminal services industry, with operations spanning 13 international offices and a workforce of approximately 2,300 people. With over a century of maritime expertise, Odfjell continues to pioneer innovations in energy efficiency and sustainable shipping.
Source Odfjell SE