The biofuel, a B30 blend of 30% biomass-derived organic resources and mineral oil, is certified by ISCC-EU standards. MOL reports that this fuel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30% compared to traditional fossil fuels during navigation. The reduced emissions from this voyage will be converted into tradable certificates through MOL’s Blue Action Net-Zero Alliance, a marine transport carbon inset program aimed at promoting low-emission shipping using alternative fuels.
The program builds on a carbon insetting pilot launched in February 2024, developed in collaboration with 123Carbon, a Netherlands-based company. This pilot tokenized greenhouse gas emission reductions from a net-zero voyage conducted with Methanex Corporation, a Canadian methanol supplier, in February 2023. Through this initiative, MOL became the first shipping company in the Asia-Pacific to issue environmental attributes certificates (EACs), supporting sustainable maritime operations.
MOL has also advanced its biofuel efforts elsewhere. In March 2025, its 2012-built Capesize bulk carrier, Midnight Dream, was bunkered with a biodiesel-blended marine fuel in Singapore. This operation, in collaboration with Australian mining company BHP, achieved an estimated reduction of 750 tons of CO2 emissions, marking MOL’s first biofuel use in that region.
MOL’s efforts reflect a commitment to sustainable shipping practices. The company stated: “The low-carbon attributes of this voyage will be tradable as certificates through our marine transport carbon inset program, Blue Action Net-Zero Alliance, which revolves around a vision to accomplish net zero operations by enhancing low-emission marine transportation services using alternative fuels.” These initiatives support broader environmental goals by reducing reliance on conventional fuels and promoting cleaner energy alternatives in maritime transport.
The trial voyages of Hokulink represent a step toward integrating biofuels into Japan’s energy sector, with potential benefits for reducing emissions in coal transport. By leveraging partnerships and innovative fuel solutions, MOL aims to contribute to a sustainable future for the shipping industry while supporting the operational needs of Hokuriku Electric Power Company.
