MOL, Sinopec and Marubeni Join Forces to Build Long-Term Marine Biodiesel Supply in China

According to a Reuters report on December 11,Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), together with Sinopec and Marubeni Corporation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly establish a long-term and stable supply system for marine biodiesel fuel in China. Under this partnership, the three parties will collaborate on expanding the availability and use of biodiesel—a low-carbon fuel made from recycled biomass that can directly replace conventional marine heavy fuel oil. MOL will take the lead in promoting biodiesel adoption among shipowners operating in China, while Sinopec and Marubeni will focus on developing storage, transport, and port supply infrastructure to ensure reliable fuel availability.

Against the backdrop of increasingly stringent global environmental regulations and accelerating decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector, biodiesel is gaining attention as an effective emissions-reduction solution. It can be used in existing marine engines without modification and significantly reduces lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared with traditional fuels. MOL stated that this partnership will help accelerate the creation of a long-term supply and procurement framework, enabling the wider use of biodiesel in the Chinese market. The initiative also supports MOL’s “Blue Action 2035” strategy and its broader goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.