Norwegian chemical tanker operator Odfjell has launched what it describes as the first operational green corridor between Brazil and Europe, using certified sustainable biofuel to reduce emissions on deep-sea voyages.

The company's chemical tankers are now operating on the 5,000-nautical-mile route with B24 sustainable biofuel, a blend of 24% renewable biodiesel derived from waste and 76% very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). The corridor will operate 12-15 voyages per year, with each voyage lasting approximately 40 days.

Odfjell has established an offtake agreement for B24 sustainable biofuel in Rio Grande, Brazil, to secure long-term fuel availability. The Ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Rio Grande are collaborating with Odfjell on the initiative through increased efficiency and optimised port-stay processes.

"We do this to demonstrate that certified fuel, technology, and infrastructure are already available," said CEO Harald Fotland. "Through this, we show that sustainable biofuel is a viable option for deep-sea shipping today."

The Bergen-headquartered company has self-funded the project without subsidies. Fotland said: "By covering the additional cost ourselves, we eliminate the financial element and move directly into operational implementation. It may not be a perfect corridor yet, but a solid start."

He added that the corridor's development depends on collaboration with ports to increase efficiency, with customers to maximise capacity utilisation, and with fuel providers to increase the supply of green fuels.

The initiative builds on Odfjell's decarbonisation efforts, which are said to have achieved a carbon intensity improvement of more than 54% compared to the 2008 benchmark through technical and operational measures.

The project aligns with the International Maritime Organization's 2030 targets and the European Union's Fit for 55 programme, and follows the 2024 Norway-Brazil memorandum of understanding to establish a green transatlantic shipping corridor.

"We hope to inspire broader industry action and welcome continued collaboration with regulators, ports, producers, other ship operators, and customers to accelerate the transition to low-emission maritime transport," Fotland stated.

The Odfjell Group operates approximately 70 ships trading globally and regionally, along with four tank terminals at international shipping hubs. The company posted annual gross revenue of $1,249m in 2024.