BHP and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) have launched a pioneering marine fuel trial, blending used cooking oil with waste animal fats to power a commercial bulk carrier.
The pilot project addresses a looming roadblock for sustainable shipping: global maritime biofuels currently rely heavily on used cooking oil, a feedstock fast approaching its projected supply limits.
By introducing waste animal fat (tallow) into the mix, the trial aims to diversify and expand the future supply chain of lower-emissions marine fuels, giving shipowners greater procurement flexibility.
The trial is being conducted aboard the Berge Lyngor, a bulk carrier chartered by BHP and operated by Berge Bulk, which is currently transporting Western Australian iron ore to China.
Bunkered in Singapore in early May, the vessel is running on a unique B100 bio-blend consisting of 50 per cent tallow-derived biodiesel, supplied by Australian firm HAMR Energy, and 50 per cent used cooking oil.
When running on this specific multi-feedstock blend, the vessel has the potential to slash well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 79 per cent per voyage compared to conventional very low sulphur fuel oil.
Because biofuels from different sources possess distinct physical properties, the real-world trial will closely monitor onboard vessel performance.
Technical teams are assessing potential operational risks, including fuel system clogging from wax formation and engine corrosion caused by oxidation.
Additionally, the project is trialling a robust tracking framework to verify emissions reductions and ensure fuel quality integrity across the supply chain.
BHP Vice President Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence Emma Roberts said: “This initiative reflects the shared commitment of BHP and GCMD in the maritime value chain to unlock scalable, credible lower-emissions fuel pathways, as well as the importance of mobilising the industry to deliver decarbonisation solutions.
“As the world’s largest bulk charterer, we want to continue to test and trial alternative fuels that will help increase supply and send industry demand signals for further investment.”
HAMR Energy Co-founder David Stribley said: “This project shows the huge potential of biofuels to power fleets, reduce emissions and strengthen fuel security by diversifying supplies.
“The success of this trial is an important step in embedding biofuels from various feedstock sources in the shipping fuel mix.”
