U-Ming Marine Transport Achieves Milestone with First B24 Biofuel Bunkering Operation

Taiwanese shipping company U-Ming Marine Transport has marked a significant milestone by completing the first B24 biofuel bunkering operation on its newbuild 64,000 dwt bulk carrier, Asian Progress. This operation is hailed as ‘a major step forward’ in the company’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The milestone operation took place on July 24 at the Port of Singapore, where U-Ming Marine collaborated with TFG MARINE to deliver 300 metric tons of FAME B24. This alternative fuel is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 20% compared to conventional marine fuel, supporting U-Ming’s goal of increasing the proportion of low-carbon fuel usage by 2030.

“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,” the company stated.

“However, adopting low-carbon fuels like LNG requires the installation of additional fuel tanks, which poses spatial challenges for smaller vessels. In response, U-Ming has selected the ultramax bulk carrier Asian Progress as the starting point to introduce B24 biofuel, pioneering the use of low-carbon fuel in smaller vessels.”

U-Ming’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices is further evidenced by its order of four Ultramax bulk carriers at New Dayang shipyard in China in October 2024. These vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, will expand the company’s LNG-ready fleet and build on the success of energy-efficient bulk carriers like Asian Progress.