World’s First Use of Low-Carbon Methanol Fuel on Oceangoing Bulk Carrier

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK)

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. (NBP)

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. (“NBP”), a member of the NYK Group, has successfully operated the methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier “Green Future” (“vessel”) using low-carbon methanol fuel, achieving an approximately 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a well-to-wake basis* compared to conventional fuel, for the transportation of copper concentrate for BHP Group (“BHP”), a world-leading resources company. This initiative represents the world’s first use of low-carbon methanol fuel on an oceangoing bulk carrier (according to NYK Group research).

The low-carbon methanol fuel used for this voyage was produced from biomass-derived feedstock and bunkered at Ulsan port, South Korea, in September 2025. The fuel is certified under ISCC EU standards, which are designed to verify the sustainability and traceability for biomass and biofuels. Through this effort, the NYK Group is exploring how low-carbon fuels can contribute to reducing Scope 1 emissions** and support BHP in lowering Scope 3*** emissions. Additionally, this initiative illustrates the potential for low-carbon methanol to help reduce the overall carbon footprint of copper products manufactured from transported copper concentrate.

Vessel schedule

・May 2025: Delivery of the “Green Future” as the NYK Group’s first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier

・September 2025: Low-carbon methanol bunkering at Ulsan port, South Korea

・January 2026: Loading of copper concentrate in Chile

・March 2026: Scheduled discharge in China

This effort demonstrates the NYK Group’s commitment to advancing decarbonization in the global shipping industry through collaboration with cargo owners. NYK will continue to promote the use of low-carbon fuels and contribute to achieving a more sustainable supply chain.

* Well-to-wake

Inclusive of the GHG emissions across the entire process of fuel production, delivery and use onboard vessels.

** Scope 1 emissions

A GHG-emission category that refers to the direct emissions from operations that are owned or controlled by the reporting company or organization, such as CO2 and other GHGs generated by the combustion of fossil fuels.

*** Scope 3 emissions

All indirect GHG emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company or organization, including both upstream and downstream emissions. Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased or acquired electricity, steam, heat or cooling that is consumed by operations that are owned or controlled by the reporting company or organization.

NYK Group, press release