Kamei Corporation has commenced ship-to-ship supply of 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) at Keihin Port, marking the first instance of this supply method for HVO in Japan, according to the Sendai-based energy company.

The operation uses Susteo, a next-generation biodiesel fuel brand developed by Tokyo-based Euglena Co., Ltd., which is produced from used cooking oil and other oily raw materials. Kamei says the ship-to-ship method — which involves transferring HVO directly from fuel supply vessels to ships within the port — is intended to reduce the burden on shore facilities and improve supply flexibility.

Because HVO is classified as a Class II petroleum product under Japanese regulations, it can be transported using conventional fuel supply vessels, removing the need for dedicated infrastructure. Kamei describes Susteo as a drop-in fuel compatible with existing marine diesel engines and fuel supply systems, meaning vessels do not require modification to use it.

The project forms part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Technology Development Support Project for Promoting New Energy for fiscal year 2024, implemented in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Corporation. The programme aims to support decarbonisation and industrial development in Tokyo by funding projects from technology development through to commercial deployment.

Kamei stated that the demonstration project is being conducted in partnership with Euglena Co., Ltd., with the aim of building a stable supply system for Susteo, accumulating operational know-how, and identifying challenges ahead of any future full-scale deployment.

Under Japan’s Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures, CO₂ emissions from the combustion of biomass-based fuels are exempt from reporting requirements, which Kamei says means HVO use can contribute to reported emissions reductions in the shipping and port sectors.

Kamei’s research, conducted as of March 2026, found no prior instances of HVO being supplied via ship-to-ship methods at a Japanese port.