Swire Shipping Converts Vessels to Second-Generation Biofuel Blends in the South Pacific

Singapore-based shipping company Swire Shipping recently announced that three of its vessels serving the South Pacific region have transitioned to B24 and B30 second-generation biofuel blends.

This voluntary move aligns with Swire Shipping’s long-term sustainability goals and offers clients the option to reduce their emissions footprint.

The vessels involved in the biofuel program include Apia Chief and Tonga Chief on the Pacific Weekly Express (PWX) service, as well as Kokopo Chief on the East Timor (ETS) service. These vessels will bunker B24 in Singapore in Q2 2025 before transitioning to B30.

“The island nations of the South Pacific are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, and this initiative signifies our commitment to reducing emissions and supporting a cleaner shipping industry,” stated Jeremy Sutton, CEO of Swire Shipping.

Furthermore, Pacific nations have expressed their support for a global greenhouse gas pricing mechanism in shipping to drive emission reductions and encourage the adoption of zero-emission fuels.

The collaboration between Swire Shipping and Argent Energy, a waste-based biofuel producer within the Swire Group, aims to deliver sustainable energy solutions. This partnership also involves working with BP, a biofuel supplier in Singapore, to explore new feedstocks for marine fuel.

“The successful biofuel program demonstrates the power of international partnerships in decarbonization efforts. We are excited to continue working together to accelerate the use of waste-derived biofuels,” commented Louise Calviou, CEO of Argent Energy.

Swire Shipping will introduce a carbon abatement program called Voyage to Zero alongside its biofuel initiative to assist customers in decarbonizing their supply chains. Participants will receive verified emissions savings certificates to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.

“Swire Shipping has set ambitious emission reduction targets for 2027. The biofuel program is a significant step in our decarbonization journey, and Voyage to Zero will provide additional support to customers in their decarbonization efforts,” said Susana Germino, Chief Sustainability & Energy Transition Officer at Swire Shipping.

In a previous trial in August 2024, Swire Shipping tested second-generation biofuel B24 on MV Suva Chief, a containership on the Sun Chief Express Ocean service. The trial, conducted in partnership with CPN and Hafnia Bunker Alliance, aimed to assess operational readiness for long-term biofuel adoption.