Odfjell has launched the first operational green corridor for chemical tankers between Brazil and Europe.

The 5,000-nautical-mile route now operates on a certified sustainable biofuel blend, cutting emissions on every journey. The corridor is expected to run 12-15 voyages annually, with each voyage lasting about 40 days.

The company has secured long-term fuel availability through an offtake of B24 biofuel blend in Rio Grande. The Ports of Antwerp-Bruges, Rio Grande, and Rotterdam and are collaborating to enhance the corridor by improving port efficiency and optimising vessel turnaround times.

Odfjell’s CEO Harald Fotland said the initiative is not a one-time demonstration but a long-term commitment. He added that the use of greener fuel is now a key part of the company’s decarbonisation strategy, involving cooperation across the entire value chain to reduce emissions.

The corridor is being funded by Odfjell without any subsidies. The company is working with ports, customers and fuel suppliers to improve efficiency, optimise cargo capacity and support the availability of low-emission fuels.

The vessels are currently using a certified B24 biofuel blend, which consists of 24% renewable biodiesel made from waste and 76% very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

This step builds on Odfjell’s decade-long efforts to reduce carbon emissions, having already improved its carbon intensity by more than 54% compared to 2008 levels through technical and operational measures.

Industry experts welcomed the initiative. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, said that the corridor represents the kind of practical decarbonisation initiative needed to support learning and increase demand for lower-emission fuels.

Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, said the project shows how cooperation between ports, fuel producers and shipping companies can deliver measurable progress in the green transition.

Reference: odfjell