Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has initiated a biofuel trial on its coal carrier, the Noshiro Maru, which is operated by domestic power utility company Tohoku Electric Power.

The trial is the “first time” in Japan that a coal carrier has been used to test biofuel. It is facilitated by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy in the Keihin area, which supplied the biofuel.

Biofuels, derived from organic resources such as agricultural residues and waste cooking oil, are deemed to produce “virtually zero” carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when burned. They are anticipated to serve as an alternative to petroleum-derived heavy and light oils.

Although biofuels emit CO₂ during combustion, the CO₂ is absorbed by plants during biomass reproduction, leading to virtually zero emissions from direct combustion. This cycle positions biofuels as a “potential” carbon-neutral substitute for fossil fuels.

Biofuels are also seen as a “key means” of minimising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the transition to zero-emission fuels.

The use of biofuel in maritime navigation aids in the reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions, which encompass indirect emissions within a company’s entire supply chain, including those from raw material sourcing to product disposal, according to the company.

By integrating biofuels and other next-generation fuels into its operations, NYK aims to lower GHG emissions within its customers' supply chains and “promote” the decarbonisation of marine transport.

In December 2024, ClassNK granted an approval in principle (AiP) to NYK for its cable-laying vessel design concept, developed in partnership with Sumitomo Electric, Furukawa Electric, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines as part of a four-company consortium.