U-Ming Completes First B24 Biofuel Bunkering, Marking a Key Step Toward Low-Carbon Shipping

On July 24, U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation announced that its 64K bulk carrier, Asian Progress, has successfully completed its first bunkering operation of B24 biofuel (FAME B24) at the Port of Singapore. This marks U-Ming’s first vessel to adopt biofuel, signifying a major step forward in the company’s journey toward low-carbon shipping and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. (Photo Credit: U-Ming)

Since 2023, U-Ming has actively promoted a low-carbon fuel substitution strategy, gradually increasing the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as marine fuel. As of 2024, LNG accounts for approximately 8.15% of the company’s total energy consumption, demonstrating tangible progress in its low-carbon transition.

However, adopting low-carbon fuels like LNG requires the installation of additional fuel tanks, which poses spatial challenges for smaller vessels. In response, U-Ming has selected the ultramax bulk carrier Asian Progress as the starting point to introduce B24 biofuel, pioneering the use of low-carbon fuel in smaller vessels.

The bunkering operation was supplied by TFG MARINE PTE LTD, with a total volume of 300 metric tons. It is expected to reduce well-to-wake carbon emissions by approximately 20% compared to conventional marine fuel. This initiative supports U-Ming’s short- to mid-term goal of increasing the proportion of low-carbon fuel usage by 2030 and reflects the company’s strong commitment to sustainable shipping and its forward-looking vision.