Odfjell's Brazil-Europe Green Corridor Could Change Shipping

Odfjell has begun operating what it describes as the first operational green corridor between Brazil and Europe, using certified sustainable biofuel on a 5,000-nautical-mile route.

The Norwegian chemical tanker operator is running 12 to 15 voyages annually along the route, each lasting around 40 days, using a B24 sustainable biofuel blend sourced from Rio Grande.

The initiative is entirely self-funded, with Odfjell covering the additional fuel costs without subsidies or external financial support.

"By covering the additional cost ourselves, we eliminate the financial element and move directly into operational implementation," says Harald Fotland, the company's CEO.

The B24 blend comprises 24% renewable biodiesel derived from waste and 76% very-low-sulphur oil.

How the green corridor works

Odfjell has secured an offtake agreement for the B24 blend in Rio Grande to ensure long-term fuel availability.

The Ports of Antwerp-Bruges, Rotterdam and Rio Grande are collaborating with Odfjell to improve efficiency and optimise port-stay processes along the corridor.

"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."

The company emphasised this represents a sustained operational commitment rather than a one-off demonstration project.

A well supported initiative

The Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, welcomed the initiative as an important milestone.

"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 says.

"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 corridor builds on a 2024 memorandum of understanding between Norway and Brazil to establish a green transatlantic shipping route.

Knut Arild Hareide, who is CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association, sees the launch as a highly encouraging step towards greener logistics.

"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," Knut explains.

Shipping accounts for roughly 3% of global human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Odfjell's broader decarbonisation strategy

Odfjell has reduced its carbon intensity by more than 54% compared to a 2008 benchmark through various technical and operational measures.

The biofuel corridor represents an additional element in the company's decarbonisation approach.

"With this corridor, we integrate greener fuel as a new pillar in our decarbonisation strategy," Harald says.

The initiative 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 represent a pragmatic option for deep-sea shipping.

"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," he says.

Harald believes that the success of the corridor is going to depend on continued collaboration with ports, customers and fuel providers to scale up green fuel availability and maximise operational efficiency.

"It may not be a perfect corridor yet, but a solid start," he says.

• Interested in hearing more about how Odfjell's sustainable endeavours? Join us at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in London on 5 March 2026 for in-depth discussions with leading sustainability experts, including Øistein Jensen, the CSO of Odfjell, who will be discussing decarbonisation in the global shipping industry. Secure your ticket now and save over £200.