SK Incheon Petrochem Launches South Korea’s First B30 Biofuel Marine Fuel to Support Maritime Decarbonisation

In a significant move towards cleaner maritime operations, SK Incheon Petrochem has introduced South Korea’s first B30 biofuel-based marine fuel, aligning with global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector. The company began supplying the B30 fuel on April 26, marking a milestone in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The newly developed B30 marine fuel is formulated by blending SK Incheon Petrochem’s proprietary Straight Run Fuel Oil (SRFO) with biofuel from JC Chemical in a 7:3 ratio. Containing 30% bio-based materials, the blend adheres to international ISO 8217 standards, following collaborative research with SK Innovation’s Institute of Environmental Science & Technology.

Designed to meet the maritime industry’s decarbonisation goals, B30 offers an estimated 25% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. This performance has been validated through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU), a globally recognized standard for verifying the environmental impact of biofuels.

The launch comes at a critical time for the shipping industry, which faces tightening environmental regulations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated a 21% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from marine fuels by 2030 compared to 2008 levels. Vessels that fall short of these targets may face additional costs linked to their emissions performance, as formalised in the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting earlier this month.

A key differentiator of SK Incheon Petrochem’s B30 fuel is its use of SRFO, which is refined from ultra-light crude oil in a single process without decomposition. This approach yields a cleaner product with higher energy density, improved safety, and fewer impurities—contributing to better fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements for vessels.

The use of SRFO in a biofuel blend marks a first in the South Korean maritime fuel market, positioning SK Incheon Petrochem as a frontrunner in innovative, environmentally responsible marine energy solutions.

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its supply of biofuel-based marine fuels, beginning with Korea’s West Sea region. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enter global markets with next-generation fuels that meet both environmental and performance benchmarks. Yoon Young-ho, Head of the B2B Business Office at SK Incheon Petrochem, said, “Our goal is to provide high-quality, environmentally friendly fuel alternatives to both domestic and international shipping operators. We see biofuel-blended marine fuel as a key solution in the industry’s transition to sustainable energy.”