- A regular chemical tanker corridor between Brazil and Europe is now operating on biofuel blends
- The route covers around 5,000 nautical miles with 12–15 voyages annually
- The project shows biofuels are already workable for deep-sea shipping
Chemical tankers are now sailing a dedicated Brazil–Europe route using certified biofuel blends, covering about 5,000 nautical miles per voyage. Each round voyage lasts roughly 40 days, with the corridor expected to operate 12 to 15 times a year. Unlike short trials, this corridor is being run as a continuous commercial operation.
Biofuel Supply Secured at Origin Port
To support the corridor, a long-term supply of B24 sustainable biofuel has been secured at Rio Grande. The fuel blend consists of 24% renewable biodiesel derived from waste and 76% conventional low-sulphur fuel oil. This ensures consistent availability and avoids disruptions linked to spot fuel sourcing.
Ports and Operations Aligned to Cut Emissions
Ports on both sides of the Atlantic are working together to improve port efficiency and turnaround times, helping reduce emissions beyond fuel use alone. Better planning, reduced waiting times, and optimised port stays are playing a role in lowering the overall carbon footprint of each voyage.
A Practical Step Toward Lower-Emission Shipping
The corridor is being run without subsidies, with additional fuel costs absorbed by the operator to move directly into real-world execution. The initiative builds on years of operational improvements, which have already reduced carbon intensity by more than 50% compared to 2008 levels. While not a zero-emission solution yet, the corridor demonstrates how biofuels can be scaled today while the industry works toward longer-term alternatives.
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Source: ODFIJELL
