Swire Shipping completes B24 marine biofuel trial on transpacific service

Photo: Chimbusco Pan Nation

Swire Shipping announced Aug. 8 that it has successfully completed a sustainable B24 biofuel trial on its award-winning Sun Chief Express Ocean service.  

A collaboration with UWL, the Sun Chief Express Ocean service directly connects Vietnam to the United States and is the fastest in the market, with express connections into the heart of North America and Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand. 

“We are excited to announce a successful biofuel trial on our Sun Chief Express Ocean service,” said Harry Stones, president of Swire Shipping North America. “This initiative reflects our commitment to exploring sustainable shipping solutions in response to increasing demand for greener options. The use of sustainable B24 biofuel in our Sun Chief Express Ocean service is projected to reduce well-to-wake emissions for our customers by an estimated 15 percent. We look forward to continuing such efforts to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.” 

MV Suva Chief, a vessel on the Sun Chief Express Ocean service, was bunkered in Hong Kong with sustainable B24 biofuel, a blend of sustainable biodiesel of waste origin and conventional fuels.  

The trial was conducted in partnership with Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-chemical Co. Ltd. and Swire Shipping’s bunkering partner the Hafnia Bunker Alliance. 

“We are proud to have supported Swire Shipping in their successful biofuel trial, furthering our shared commitment to reducing emissions and fostering a more sustainable maritime future,” said Peter Grunwaldt, head of the Hafnia Bunker Alliance.  

Calvin Chung, director of Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-chemical, added, “As the leading biofuel physical supplier in Hong Kong, we are pleased to assist Swire Shipping and Hafnia in their first biofuel supply in our port. This biofuel delivery serves to reinforce our dedication to ecofriendly port-energy supply and achieving the global decarbonization goals.”