SK Incheon Petrochem launches Korea’s 1st B30 marine biofuel

SK Incheon Petrochem supplies blended B30 marine biofuel to a client at Incheon Port’s New Port Terminal April 26. (Photo: SK Incheon Petrochem)

SK Incheon Petrochem announced April 30 the launch and supply of B30 marine biofuel in response to greenhouse-gas reduction policies in the shipping industry.

B30 contains 30 percent biobased fuel and “has been developed to meet the evolving sustainability needs of the maritime sector,” SK Incheon Petrochem stated.

The newly launched B30 marine biofuel is produced by blending SK Incheon Petrochem’s straight-run fuel oil (SRFO) with biofuel supplied by JC Chemical in a 7-to-3 ratio.

This product was successfully developed to meet the international standards set by ISO 8217, following joint research with SK Innovation’s Institute of Environmental Science & Technology.

The supply of B30 officially began April 26.

Photo: SK Incheon Petrochem

The B30 blended marine fuel offers approximately 25 percent carbon reduction compared to conventional marine fuel, aligning with the carbon-neutrality policies of the shipping industry and driving anticipated growth in demand.

It has received official recognition for its environmental benefits and carbon-reduction effects through the globally recognized International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) for biofuels.

The International Maritime Organization has set a target to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from marine fuels by 21 percent by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.

Ships unable to meet these standards will incur proportional costs based on their emissions.

This mid-term measure was approved during the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting held April 11.

A standout feature of the B30 fuel is SK Incheon Petrochem’s SRFO, which is refined from ultra-light crude oil in a single process without cracking (decomposition).

Unlike blended products made from multiple raw materials, SRFO boasts higher energy output, enhanced safety and fewer impurities, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance costs for ships, according to SK Incheon Petrochem.

The blending of SRFO with biofuel for marine fuel is the first of its kind in South Korea, the company stated.

SK Incheon Petrochem said it plans to leverage its environmental and quality competitiveness to expand its footprint in the global marine-fuel market, beginning with the West Sea region of Korea.

“We aim to provide next-generation fuel that combines environmental benefits with superior quality to domestic and international shipping companies through a stable supply system,” said Yoon Young-ho, the head of SK Incheon Petrochem’s B2B business office. “We expect that biofuel-blended marine fuel will establish itself as a sustainable energy transition model for the shipping industry to address greenhouse-gas regulations.”