Ultrabulk transports biomass pellets from US to UK in B100-powered vessel for Drax

Photo: Drax Group

Drax Group announced April 21 that the MV Ultra Yorkshire, a Handymax carrier that was launched and named as part of Drax Power Station’s 50th anniversary celebrations, docked for the first time in the U.K.

The vessel is operated by Ultrabulk, a leading global dry-bulk business and a long-term partner of Drax Group.

It arrived at the Port of Liverpool in recent weeks, completing its first transatlantic voyage, with a cargo of over 29,000 metric tons of biomass pellets for rail transport to Drax Power Station.

The Selby power station is an important part of U.K. energy security.

It uses biomass pellets to generate renewable power and in 2025 supplied about 5 percent of the country’s electricity.

Drax Group, the owners of Drax Power Station, said it is committed to reaching net zero across its value chain by 2040 including by reducing its supply-chain emissions, like those from shipping and transportation.

In 2024 and 2025, Drax signed agreements for all GB Railfreight and DB Cargo trains to Drax Power Station to run using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, estimated to reduce rail-freight emissions by 90 percent.

The MV Ultra Yorkshire’s journey from the Port of Greater Baton Rouge to the Port of Liverpool, which is owned by Peel Ports Group, was powered by 100 percent biodiesel (B100).

Compared to standard maritime fuels, this meant the vessel emitted around 90 percent less CO2 over the course of the journey.

Drax has recently signed a new contract with Ultrabulk through March 2031.

The new deal includes a mechanism, possibly one of the first of its kind, to reduce carbon emissions year on year over the course of the agreement from sea-freight journeys.

“We were delighted to welcome the Ultra Yorkshire to the Port of Liverpool on its maiden transatlantic voyage,” said Mark Gibbens, Drax Group’s head of logistics. “Ultrabulk is one of our longstanding supply-chain partners and they play a critical role in ensuring that Drax Power Station can keep the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the U.K., no matter the weather. Our new contract with Ultrabulk shows that we are taking action to decarbonize our supply chain and we are proud that MV Ultra Yorkshire was able to complete the journey from Baton Rouge to the Port of Liverpool using biofuel to significantly reduce its impact on the environment.”

Hans-Christian Olesen, CEO of Ultrabulk, said, “Our team is incredibly proud that Drax has chosen to continue its contract with Ultrabulk. Over the years, Drax has proven to be on the cutting edge of environmental transition. We have a strong partnership with Drax and we continue working on new ideas with them to transform supply chains. The first B100 transatlantic transport of biomass for both Drax and Ultrabulk, on our own MV Ultra Yorkshire, is a great example of this. We are looking forward to jointly keep pushing the boundaries for what is possible in decarbonization.”

Phil Hall, Mersey port director at Peel Ports Group, added, “It’s a proud moment to have welcomed such an impressive vessel to the Port of Liverpool on her first U.K. visit. This voyage demonstrates the impact of collaboration in reducing emissions, with the use of B100 biofuel delivering a significant reduction in CO2 emissions on the journey. At Peel Ports Group, we are committed to helping our customers achieve more sustainable operations and initiatives like this highlight the positive impact that such partnerships can have across the supply chain.”