NYK’s Green Future cuts GHG emissions by 65% in world-first methanol bulker voyage

Methanol bunkering was completed in Ulsan, South Korea.

NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd. operated the methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, Green Future, using low-carbon methanol fuel, resulting in a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a well-to-wake basis compared with conventional fuel, according to a press release.

The vessel transported copper concentrate for BHP Group, constituting the first use of low-carbon methanol fuel on an oceangoing bulk carrier, an NYK Group research report said.

The low-carbon methanol fuel consisted of biomass-derived feedstock, with bunkering occurring at Ulsan port, South Korea, in September 2025, the press release said.

The NYK Group took delivery of the Green Future in May 2025. The vessel loaded copper concentrate in Chile in January 2026. Cargo discharge in China remains scheduled for March 2026.

The fuel carries ISCC EU certification for sustainability and traceability, targeting a reduction in Scope 1 emissions for NYK Group and Scope 3 emissions for BHP. Its use reduces the carbon footprint of copper products manufactured from the transported concentrate.

Well-to-wake figures include GHG emissions from fuel production, delivery, and onboard use. Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from company operations. Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions within the company value chain.