Wallenius Wilhelmsen conducts first biofuel bunkering in Japan

At the Port of Yokohama, the M/V Tamesis bunkered 400 metric tons of Bio Bunker B24 (VLSFO Blended), supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd. This milestone is part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability in shipping.

As part of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have expanded our locations for biofuel supply. Since 2023, the expansion has included key ports in Belgium, Korea and Singapore. Expanding to Japan enhances our ability to operate more efficiently and sustainably across our global network.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set ambitious emission reduction targets to reach net-zero by 2040. This includes a 40% absolute reduction of well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to our 2022 baseline, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

“Achieving these targets require 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. 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,” says Yasuyuki Sakurai, Senior Manager, the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce at Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

Mitsuo Ueda, General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd., also highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “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.”

This milestone was achieved through close collaboration between Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Energy Sourcing team and the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce, which has worked 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.