Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 2, Taiwan-based U-Ming Marine Transport has completed its first B24 biofuel bunkering operation on the newly built 64,000 dwt bulk carrier Asian Progress. This operation took place on July 24 at the Port of Singapore and is regarded by the company as a significant step toward its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Asian Progress, a 199.9-meter Ultramax bulk carrier with LNG-ready classification, is the first in U-Ming’s fleet to use biofuel. The bunkering was conducted in collaboration with TFG MARINE, which supplied 300 metric tons of FAME B24, a biofuel blend expected to reduce well-to-wake carbon emissions by about 20% compared to conventional marine fuel.

U-Ming stated that the initiative supports its short- to mid-term objective of increasing low-carbon fuel adoption by 2030. The company noted: “Since 2023, U-Ming has actively promoted a low-carbon fuel substitution strategy, gradually increasing the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as marine fuel. As of 2024, LNG accounts for approximately 8.15% of the company’s total energy consumption, demonstrating tangible progress in its low-carbon transition.”

While LNG is a focus, the company highlighted that using such fuels requires additional tank space, presenting challenges for smaller vessels. To address this, U-Ming selected Asian Progress to introduce B24 biofuel, marking the company’s first step in applying low-carbon alternatives to smaller ships.

This move aligns with U-Ming’s ongoing LNG-ready fleet expansion strategy. In October 2024, U-Ming placed an order for four Ultramax bulk carriers at New Dayang Shipyard in China, under a $35 million agreement. The vessels are expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. The project extends the partnership between the two parties, which previously produced the energy-efficient 64,000 dwt Asian Progress.

U-Ming emphasized that the adoption of biofuels complements its broader sustainability goals and enhances its operational flexibility in selecting low-carbon options across different vessel sizes.