World’s First Low-Carbon Methanol Fuel Used on Bulk Carrier
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has marked a significant milestone in the maritime industry by successfully operating the world’s first oceangoing bulk carrier powered by low-carbon methanol fuel. The vessel, named “Green Future,” achieved a remarkable reduction of approximately 65% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fuels. This achievement comes during the transportation of copper concentrate for the BHP Group, a leading global resources company.
The successful journey took place in January 2026, following the vessel’s bunkering with low-carbon methanol at Ulsan port, South Korea, in September 2025. The methanol used is certified under ISCC EU standards, ensuring its sustainability and traceability, as it is produced from biomass-derived feedstock. This initiative reflects NYK’s commitment to exploring how low-carbon fuels can contribute to reducing Scope 1 emissions and assist BHP in lowering Scope 3 emissions. The use of low-carbon methanol also holds the potential to minimize the overall carbon footprint of copper products derived from the transported copper concentrate.
Vessel Details and Schedule
The “Green Future” is NYK’s first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, officially delivered in May 2025. Following its delivery, the vessel underwent low-carbon methanol bunkering in September 2025, setting the stage for its significant operational milestone in January 2026, when it loaded copper concentrate in Chile. The vessel is scheduled to discharge its cargo in China in March 2026.
This initiative highlights NYK Group’s dedication to advancing decarbonization efforts within the global shipping industry. By collaborating closely with cargo owners like BHP, NYK aims to promote the adoption of low-carbon fuels, further contributing to a more sustainable supply chain. This step not only showcases the potential of innovative fuel sources in maritime transport but also emphasizes the importance of reducing GHG emissions across the industry.
As the shipping sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, NYK’s pioneering efforts with the “Green Future” represent a forward-thinking approach to achieving sustainability goals. This initiative demonstrates the growing importance of low-carbon technologies in cutting emissions and fostering a greener future for maritime operations.
