Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has commenced what it says is the first biofuel-powered voyage for mining company Anglo American, using a B30 biodiesel blend on the capesize bulk carrier Lambert Maru.

The Japanese shipping company said the vessel completed bunkering with the biofuel in Singapore on September 14, marking an application of MOL's carbon inset programme framework, "Blue Action Net-Zero Alliance," which was launched to achieve net-zero emissions in maritime transportation.

The greenhouse gas reduction value from this voyage is to be allocated to Anglo American through digital certification, allowing the London-based mining company to incorporate the emissions reductions into its Scope 3 reduction activities and integrated reports.

The biofuel used is certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC-EU) standard and consists of 30% biomass derived from organic resources such as waste cooking oil. The blend is expected to reduce CO2 emissions during navigation by approximately 30% compared to conventional fossil fuels, according to MOL.

The 180,432 deadweight tonne Lambert Maru measures 292 metres in length overall with a breadth of 45 metres and draft of 18 metres.

The initiative forms part of MOL's environmental strategy outlined in 'Blue Action 2035', under which the group aims to continue adopting clean fuels for marine transport decarbonisation.

The ISCC-EU certification verifies that sustainable fuels made from biomass and waste comply with EU legal requirements for sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reductions, as stipulated by the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).

MOL notes that while biofuels emit carbon dioxide during combustion, the plants used as raw materials absorb CO2 as they grow and regenerate biomass, meaning net CO2 emissions from direct combustion are considered effectively zero.