December 19, 2025 [ Louise Collins ]- Norwegian tanker operator Odfjell is launching an operational green corridor, using sustainable fuel to implement sustainability across operations Norwegian chemical tanker operator Odfjell has established what it calls the first operational green corridor for shipping between Brazil and Europe.

 
The initiative uses a certified sustainable biofuel to power vessels along a 5,000-nautical-mile supply route, signalling a major step in decarbonising deep-sea logistics networks.

Odfjell is currently running between 12 and 15 voyages each year on this transatlantic corridor with each round trip taking approximately 40 days.

This is not a one-off trial, but a sustained operational change to its service on this route. Odfjell has committed to self-funding the initiative covering the higher cost of the greener fuel without relying on subsidies.

Harald Fotland, Odfjell’s Chief Executive Officer, says “By covering the additional cost ourselves, we eliminate the financial element and move directly into operational implementation”.

Securing the biofuel supply chain

The green corridor relies on a B24 sustainable biofuel blend which consists of 24% renewable biodiesel from waste sources and 76% very-low-sulphur oil. To ensure a consistent and reliable supply for its vessels, Odfjell has secured a long-term offtake agreement for this B24 blend sourced from Rio Grande Brazil. This move addresses a critical component of the supply chain by guaranteeing fuel availability for the corridor’s operations.

Collaboration is central to the project’s design. The Ports of Antwerp-Bruges Rotterdam and Rio Grande are working with Odfjell to enhance efficiency and streamline port-stay processes for vessels on this route.

“We do this to demonstrate that certified fuel, technology and infrastructure are already available,” Harald explains. “Through this, we show that sustainable biofuel is a viable option for deep-sea shipping today.”
 

A blueprint for green shipping collaboration

The launch has been recognised as a key milestone by governmental bodies. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, welcomed the corridor as a demonstration of international cooperation.

“We congratulate Odfjell on taking the lead and demonstrating what is possible when business and public authorities cooperate across national borders to reduce emissions,” he explains.

“Green shipping corridors over long distances are still in their early stages, and this therefore represents an important first step on the path toward zero emissions.”

The project builds upon a 2024 memorandum of understanding between Norway and Brazil to create a green transatlantic shipping route.

From an industry perspective, the initiative is seen as a vital move toward decarbonising global logistics. According to the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, shipping is responsible for about 3% of global human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the association, explains “That a deep-sea shipping company like Odfjell has succeeded in establishing a regular corridor between Brazil and Europe powered by certified biofuel is both highly encouraging and an important step toward our shared goal of decarbonising global shipping by 2050.”

This biofuel corridor is a new component of Odfjell’s wider decarbonisation strategy. Odfjell has already achieved a carbon intensity reduction of more than 54% against its 2008 baseline, through a series of technical and operational improvements to its fleet.

“With this corridor, we integrate greener fuel as a new pillar in our decarbonisation strategy,” Harald says. The project aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s 2030 targets and the European Union’s Fit for 55 package.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime, noted that biofuels offer a pragmatic solution for the deep-sea shipping sector. “This green corridor will show how this works in action while demonstrating how value-chain collaboration can speed the transition and help meet ambitious goals,” Knut says.

The success of the supply chain will hinge on ongoing work with ports customers and fuel suppliers. Harald believes this will help to increase the availability of green fuels and maximise operational efficiency. Harald concludes: “It may not be a perfect corridor yet, but a solid start.”