BHP tests multi‑feedstock biofuel blend to cut maritime emissions

(Alliance News) - BHP Group Ltd on Wednesday began testing a new lower‑emissions marine biofuel blend on a chartered bulk carrier as part of a pilot with Singapore's Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation.

The Melbourne, Australia-based diversified miner said the project combines biofuels from two waste‑based feedstocks which are used cooking oil and tallow‑derived animal fats, to assess how multi‑feedstock blends can be handled, bunkered and used under real operating conditions.

The trial will examine fuel quality, traceability and onboard performance, noting that different feedstocks can pose risks such as oxidation‑related corrosion or wax‑related clogging.

The bio‑blend is being used on the Berge Lyngor, a BHP‑chartered vessel transporting iron ore from Western Australia to China.

BHP said the fuel has the potential to cut well‑to‑wake greenhouse gas emissions by about 79% per voyage versus very low sulphur fuel oil.

Emma Roberts, BHP vice president Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence, said: "As the world's largest bulk charterer, we want to continue to test and trial alternative fuels that will help increase supply and send industry demand signals for further investment.

"At a time when fuel security is vitally important to global trade, building opportunities for future biofuels is critical. Along with [liquefied natural gas] and ammonia, biodiesel has a big role to play in the future supply of sustainable marine fuels."

The vessel bunkered in Singapore in early May with a B100 blend comprising 50% tallow‑based biodiesel supplied by HAMR Energy Pte Ltd and 50% used‑cooking‑oil methyl ester supplied by Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based trading company Mitsui & Co.

Mitsui blended the fuel, while Dan‑Bunkering (Singapore) Pte Ltd coordinated the operation using Global Energy Pte Ltd's barge MT Maple.

BHP said the pilot will help identify how biofuels from multiple feedstocks can be integrated into existing supply chains as the industry seeks alternatives to used cooking oil, whose availability is nearing its projected limits.

The project is co‑funded by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore under the Maritime Innovation & Technology Fund.

BHP shares were up 2.1% at AUD64.71 in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon.

By Judy Amaca, Alliance News reporter Asia-Pacific

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

BHP Group