World’s First Use Of Low-Carbon Methanol Fuel On Oceangoing Bulk Carrier Achieves 65% GHG Reduction

NYK Group has operated a methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier using low-carbon methanol fuel to transport copper concentrate for BHP Group, achieving an estimated 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuel.

The company reported that this marks the world’s first use of low-carbon methanol fuel on an oceangoing bulk carrier, based on its internal research.

The vessel, “Green Future”, is operated by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. (NBP), a member of the NYK Group.

The emission reduction was calculated on a well-to-wake basis, which includes greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the entire fuel lifecycle, from production and delivery to its use onboard the vessel.

The low-carbon methanol used for the voyage was produced from biomass-derived feedstock. It was bunkered at Ulsan Port in South Korea in September 2025.

The fuel is certified under ISCC EU standards, which verify sustainability and traceability for biomass and biofuels.

NYK stated that the initiative forms part of its efforts to examine how low-carbon fuels can reduce Scope 1 emissions, which refer to direct emissions from operations owned or controlled by a company, including those produced by fuel combustion onboard ships.

The company also stated that the project supports BHP in reducing Scope 3 emissions, which cover indirect emissions across the value chain, excluding Scope 2 emissions related to purchased electricity, steam, heat or cooling.

The vessel’s schedule included delivery of the “Green Future” in May 2025 as NYK’s first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier.

Low-carbon methanol bunkering took place in September 2025 in South Korea.

The ship loaded copper concentrate in Chile in January 2026 and is scheduled to discharge the cargo in China in March 2026.

Reference: NYK