NYK Line and BHP extend partnership to advance decarbonisation and safety in dry bulk shipping

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and BHP Group Ltd have renewed their memorandum of understanding (MOU) first signed in June 2022, expanding joint efforts to accelerate decarbonisation and improve operational safety across the dry bulk sector.

Key points

• Renewal of NYK–BHP MOU initially signed in June 2022
• Continued collaboration on ammonia dual-fuel technologies
• Further trials of biofuels and low-carbon initiatives
• Joint work on safe vessel operations supported by NYK’s dry bulk fleet

Updated areas of cooperation

Under the renewed agreement, NYK Line and BHP will continue researching ammonia dual-fuel vessels as a potential pathway to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The companies will also progress biofuel trials and explore additional measures intended to support the transition to low-carbon shipping.

Strengthening safety performance is another key element of the MOU, with NYK Line supplying high-quality vessel tonnage for transporting various dry bulk cargoes. The companies aim to advance safety frameworks while also promoting decarbonisation technologies within the sector.

By formalising their extended collaboration, NYK Line and BHP aim to support industry-wide momentum toward lower-emission operations and enhanced maritime safety.

Executive comments

“BHP welcomes the opportunity to build on our shared history with long-term strategic partner, NYK Line. We have a shared commitment to be innovative and to accelerate industry safety, technology, and sustainability performance across the maritime sector. As one of the world’s largest dry bulk charterers, BHP has a deep interest in working alongside our partners to advance a safer, technology-driven, and efficient shipping industry,” said Emma Roberts, Vice President Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence at BHP.

“We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with BHP further and work together to promote decarbonization and enhance safe operations in the dry bulk industry. Amid an uncertain outlook for environmental regulations, we will combine the strengths of both companies to accelerate the development of next-generation environmental technologies and steadily advance toward achieving our net-zero target by 2050,” said Hiroaki Nishiyama, Managing Executive Officer and Chief Executive of the Dry Bulk Division at NYK Line.