Agribusiness giant ADM has completed its first trial using 100% marine biofuel (B100) aboard a bulk carrier, according to Ship & Bunker. The company detailed the trial in a LinkedIn post, which Ship & Bunker cited in its report.
The trial took place off the coast of Brazil from June 2 to 6, according to Ship & Bunker, and involved the bulk carrier MV Harvest Rain. During the trial, the vessel consumed 107.39 metric tons of B100 biofuel while operating under normal trading conditions, the report states.
What the Trial Assessed
According to Ship & Bunker, the trial was designed to evaluate the fuel’s performance across several key areas, including storage, purification, engine operation, and onboard handling. The goal was to gather data on how B100 performs in real-world marine operations rather than in controlled testing environments.
Ship & Bunker also reports that the voyage represented a first for ADM in terms of its operational scope. The company acted simultaneously as the exporter, charterer, vessel owner, receiver, and processor for the shipment, according to the report.
Part of a Broader Emissions Strategy
ADM said the trial forms part of its wider efforts to reduce emissions from its marine logistics operations, as reported by Ship & Bunker. The company has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the report.
Ship & Bunker notes that marine biofuels function as a “drop-in” replacement for conventional marine fuels. This means they can either be blended with existing fuels or used entirely unblended, as in the case of B100, within existing ship engines and bunker infrastructure without requiring technical modifications, the report explains.
Does This Matter to You?
This development may be of interest to those tracking the practical rollout of alternative marine fuels, particularly as drop-in biofuels are positioned as a near-term decarbonization option that avoids costly engine retrofits. Vessel operators and charterers exploring emissions reduction pathways may find the operational data from this trial relevant, since it addresses real-world factors such as fuel storage, purification, and engine performance under normal trading conditions.
Bunker traders and suppliers monitoring the availability and viability of B100 as a bunker fuel option may also take note, given that ADM’s involvement across the full supply chain—from export to processing—offers a data point on how such fuels can be integrated into existing logistics operations. The direct commercial or regulatory implications of this specific trial beyond what ADM has stated are not detailed in the source material.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
