In Norway, Odfjell has launched the first operational green corridor between Brazil and Europe, powering its chemical tankers with certified biofuel on regular transatlantic voyages. The 5,000-nautical-mile route will see up to 15 sailings each year, supported by a long-term biofuel supply arrangement at the Port of Rio Grande.
Using a B24 blend made from waste-derived biodiesel, the initiative is expected to significantly cut emissions on each 40-day round trip. “This is not a one-off demonstration,” said CEO Harald Fotland. “We are integrating greener fuel as a new pillar of our decarbonization strategy.”
Odfjell self-funded the corridor without public subsidies and is collaborating with ports in Rio Grande, Antwerp-Bruges, and Rotterdam to improve efficiency and minimize time in port. The company has already reduced carbon intensity by over 50 percent since 2008 through a mix of technical and operational upgrades.
The project aligns with the IMO’s 2030 goals and the EU’s Fit for 55 agenda. Norwegian officials and industry leaders welcomed the corridor as a practical model for scalable decarbonization. DNV’s maritime head called it “exactly the kind of initiative” needed to move from ambition to implementation.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
