Korean biofuel cargo ship to embark on its first overseas journey

[Photo by Lee Chung-woo]

South Korea is set to launch a trial operation of a cargo ship powered by biofuel for the first time on an international route.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Hyundai Tacoma, a container ship made by HMM Co., will depart Busan at 8 p.m. Friday for Brazil.

For the voyage, GS Caltex Corp. provided the ship with bio marine fuel, a mixture of 70 percent conventional marine oil and 30 percent biodiesel. When burned, biofuels emit up to 65 percent less carbon dioxide than conventional fossil-based oil.

The trial operation comes as a follow-up of a plan to demonstrate biofuel, which was confirmed in a public-private alliance meeting in June.

More than five trial operations are scheduled by the end of the first half of 2024.

“While the data obtained through the test operations will be used for setting standards for the quality of biofuels, the authorities will work hard to make sure that relevant laws and regulations are properly in place,” said Yu Beop-min, director general of the Resources and Industry Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

“With the test operation, we have taken a step closer toward widespread use of biofuels and hoped that the significant progress could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Hong Jong-uk, director general of the Maritime Safety Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.