NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. (NBP), a member of the NYK Group, on Thursday (12 February) said it has successfully operated the methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier Green Future using low-carbon methanol fuel.
The low-carbon methanol fuel used for this voyage was produced from biomass-derived feedstock and bunkered at Ulsan port, South Korea, in September 2025.
The fuel is certified under ISCC EU standards, which are designed to verify the sustainability and traceability for biomass and biofuels.
The company said the operation achieved an approximately 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a well-to-wake basis compared to conventional fuel, for the transportation of copper concentrate for BHP Group (BHP).
According to NYK Group research, the initiative represents the world’s first use of low-carbon methanol fuel on an oceangoing bulk carrier.
Through this effort, the NYK Group is exploring how low-carbon fuels can contribute to reducing Scope 1 emissions and support BHP in lowering Scope 3 emissions.
Additionally, this initiative illustrates the potential for low-carbon methanol to help reduce the overall carbon footprint of copper products manufactured from transported copper concentrate.
Photo credit: Inchcape Shipping Services
Published: 13 February, 2026
