Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), China’s fuel supplier Sinopec Zhejiang Zhoushan Petroleum, and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a long-term supply system for marine biodiesel fuel, marking a joint effort to encourage wider use of lower-carbon fuels in the shipping industry, biofuels international reported.
Announced in December, the agreement outlines plans for MOL to promote biodiesel use in marine transport, especially in China. Sinopec Zhejiang Zhoushan Petroleum and Marubeni will focus on building the necessary infrastructure, including storage, transport facilities, and supply ports, to ensure a steady and reliable fuel supply for shipowners and operators.
The shipping sector is facing growing pressure from regulators and customers to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiesel is being viewed as a practical option to help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
MOL considers China an important source of biodiesel raw materials and aims to set up an early system for procurement and supply through its partnership with the two companies.
The agreement also aligns with MOL’s environmental plan, “BLUE ACTION 2035,” which sets a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company described the MoU as a key step toward expanding the use of low-carbon fuels and lowering emissions across global marine transport.
