16 Dec 2025
Idemitsu Kosan has begun supplying a biofuel blend for oceangoing vessels, marking the first time a Japanese oil refiner has entered this segment. The company announced that it is now delivering a blended fuel made from heavy fuel oil and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) to shipping operators, including Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. Supply volumes are expected to reach 5,000 tonnes by March 2026, covering both domestic coastal vessels and international ships.
Idemitsu Kosan has begun supplying a biofuel blend for oceangoing vessels, marking the first time a Japanese oil refiner has entered this segment. The company announced that it is now delivering a blended fuel made from heavy fuel oil and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) to shipping operators, including Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. Supply volumes are expected to reach 5,000 tonnes by March 2026, covering both domestic coastal vessels and international ships.
The project is being implemented in partnership with trading company Kanematsu, utilising the marine loading facilities of Kanematsu Yuso, a group subsidiary. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to build a reliable supply chain for blended marine biofuels, supporting the global shipping industry’s push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets.
Idemitsu has been testing the biofuel since 2023, carrying out operational trials on coastal vessels in Hokkaido, where cold conditions can impact fuel performance. According to the company, the trials confirmed that vessels can operate stably using existing equipment and standard operating conditions. The blended fuel is estimated to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 20% compared with conventional marine fuel.
Both Idemitsu and Kanematsu have secured ISCC certification for the production and supply of the blended fuel, enabling the use of FAME that complies with international sustainability standards. Depending on market demand, the partners are also considering expanding supply through Idemitsu’s own marine loading terminals.
In parallel, Idemitsu is assessing the development of domestic supply infrastructure for e-methanol—a low-carbon fuel derived from carbon dioxide and renewable hydrogen—as part of its broader strategy to support the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.
The detailed article is published by https://www.biobased-diesel.com/ can be accessed from https://www.biobased-diesel.com/post/idemitsu-kosan-becomes-1st-japanese-oil-refiner-to-supply-biodiesel-blended-fuel-to-ocean-going-vess
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