Mediterranean Shipping Company Becomes First Major Shipping Line to Use 30% Biofuel

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) just announced that the company has started using biofuel in its vessels calling in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. This decision comes after successful trials with biofuel blends were conducted earlier this year.

MSC has decided to continue bunkering with biofuel blends on a routine basis. This decision ties to the company’s broader strategic approach to sustainability. MSC aims to implement concrete plans to modernize its green and efficient fleet via the largest container shipping investment program in the industry.

Their trials were completed with a minimal 10% blend fuel. Now, the company is using much higher 30% blends.

"We are pleased to see these trials completed successfully and look forward to now using biofuel on our vessels as a routine matter," said MSC's Executive Vice President, Bud Darr. "The potential CO2 reduction in the bio component of these fuels could reach 80-90%, which we will monitor and confirm over time."

Responsibly sourced biofuels could provide an alternative solution for the shipping sector to meet the 2030 IMO level of ambition for CO2 emissions intensity reduction, as well as to make significant progress toward the 2050 levels of ambition. Companies such as MSC hope that using biofuel on container ships will significantly help reduce emissions and improve air quality.