Swire Shipping has announced its commitment to sustainability by transitioning three of its vessels in the South Pacific to B24 and B30 second-generation biofuel blends. This initiative aligns with the company’s long-term sustainability goals and aims to offer more eco-friendly options for clients seeking to reduce their emissions.
The vessels participating in this biofuel program include the Apia Chief and Tonga Chief, which are part of the Pacific Weekly Express (PWX) service, providing direct routes from Southeast Asia to multiple destinations such as Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and Fiji. Additionally, the Kokopo Chief operates on the East Timor (ETS) service, ensuring a direct connection between Singapore, Dili, Darwin, and Surabaya. The vessels are set to start bunkering B24 in Singapore during the second quarter of 2025, eventually transitioning to B30.
Swire Shipping’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Sutton, emphasized the company’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact, particularly in light of the vulnerabilities faced by the island nations in the South Pacific due to climate change. He described the transition to biofuels as a significant milestone in their sustainability journey.
The biofuel initiative is a collaboration between Swire Shipping and Argent Energy, a producer of waste-based biofuels. Swire Shipping has also formed a partnership with BP, a significant biofuel supplier in Singapore, to explore new marine fuel feedstocks. Argent Energy’s CEO, Louise Calviou, lauded the international cooperation involved in this project, highlighting its success in accelerating the adoption of sustainable fuels derived from waste.
In addition to the biofuel program, Swire Shipping is introducing a carbon abatement initiative called “Voyage to Zero,” which will support customers in decarbonizing their supply chains. Participants in this program will receive independent certification of their emission reductions, contributing to their efforts to tackle Scope 3 emissions.
With ambitious targets set for emission reductions by 2027, the biofuel initiative is seen as a vital component of Swire Shipping’s broader decarbonization strategy. The anticipated environmental impact is significant, equating to the removal of approximately 2,700 cars from the roads in its first year of implementation.
In parallel developments, the region is witnessing increased interest in sustainable aviation initiatives, such as Fiji Airways exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and collaboration explored with local agricultural entities to mitigate climate change impacts. Such efforts reflect a growing commitment across various sectors in the Pacific to embrace sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change, fostering hope for a greener future for the region.
Swire Shipping’s efforts represent a notable step forward in the shipping industry’s push towards greener practices, highlighting the potential for significant environmental benefits through collaborative and innovative strategies.
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