On February 9, NYK Line embarked on a landmark test run involving biofuel on its coal carrier, the Noshiro Maru, which is operated for Tohoku Electric Power. It was the first time in Japan that a coal carrier was used to test biofuel for a domestic utility company.

The delivery of biofuel to the vessel was performed by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy Co., Ltd in the country's Keihin region - an area which covers Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Yokohama.

Biofuels are derived from organic resources, or biomass, such as agricultural residues and waste cooking oil. When combusted, they are considered to produce virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Their compatibility with heavy-fuel-powered engines — predominant among large merchant vessels — positions biofuels as a pivotal option for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the critical transition from heavy oil to zero-emission fuels.

Moreover, utilising biofuels for navigation purposes plays a role in reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions linked to transporting customers' cargo. NYK has expressed its commitment to promoting decarbonization within marine transport by focusing on integrating biofuels and other next-generation fuels into its operations. The company emphasises that adjusting to biofuels not only aligns with regulatory efforts but also contributes significantly to lowering GHG emissions across customers' entire supply chains.

As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, initiatives like NYK's biofuel test run demonstrate tangible steps toward sustainable practices. Although biofuels emit CO2 during combustion, the lifecycle of these fuels — where plants absorb CO2 while growing — offers a pathway to what is termed carbon neutrality. This aspect makes biofuels a promising alternative to conventional fossil fuels, potentially mitigating the environmental impact of marine transportation.