Wallenius Wilhelmsen, a global leader in roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping, has successfully completed its first biofuel bunkering trial in Japan, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global decarbonization strategy. The trial took place at the Port of Yokohama, where the M/V Tamesis was supplied with 400 metric tons of Bio Bunker B24 (VLSFO Blended) by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd. This achievement underscores Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainability in the shipping industry.
Expanding Biofuel Supply for Global Sustainability
As part of its broader effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has been expanding its biofuel supply locations. Since 2023, the company has added key ports in Belgium, Korea, and Singapore to its biofuel network. The expansion into Japan further strengthens its ability to operate efficiently and sustainably across its global trade routes.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set ambitious targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. This includes a 40% absolute reduction in well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to the company’s 2022 baseline, an initiative that has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Driving the Shift to Low and Zero-Carbon Shipping
“Achieving these targets requires a major shift in energy sources from conventional fuels to low and zero-carbon alternatives. Expanding supply locations and securing sufficient biofuels remain a priority, and we are pleased to have conducted our first B24 VLSFO blended biofuel bunkering trial in Yokohama,” said Yasuyuki Sakurai, Senior Manager of the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “While our Reduced Carbon Service customers fully support our mass-balance concept, ensuring sufficient biofuel usage across our entire fleet and trade lanes is key to achieving our long-term sustainability goals.”
Mitsuo Ueda, General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd., emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating: “In anticipation of growing demand for biofuel in the marine sector, we have begun storing biofuel at our oil terminal in Onahama (Fukushima Prefecture) and supplying B24 in Tokyo Bay using our barges. We deeply admire Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s leadership in the decarbonization of the shipping industry and remain committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future. We will continue striving to meet industry needs through a stable supply of biofuels and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.”
Collaboration for a Cleaner Shipping Future
This milestone was achieved through close cooperation between Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Energy Sourcing team and the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce, which has been working for the past two years to establish biofuel bunkering capabilities in Japan. The company remains dedicated to expanding its sustainable fuel options and accelerating the transition to cleaner shipping solutions.
About Wallenius Wilhelmsen
The Wallenius Wilhelmsen group is a global leader in roll-on/roll-off RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics, facilitating the transport of cars, trucks, rolling equipment, and breakbulk cargo for customers worldwide. The company operates approximately 130 vessels across 15 trade routes spanning six continents, supported by a comprehensive inland distribution network, 120 processing centers, and eight marine terminals.
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Wallenius Wilhelmsen employs 8,200 people across 29 countries. The company’s mission is to build sustainable supply chains, pioneering innovative and eco-friendly solutions for mobility and transportation. Its fleet boasts some of the lowest emissions in the RoRo segment, and it leverages advanced digital systems to ensure seamless cargo movement in real time.
Source Wallenius Wilhemsen ASA