Port Hedland to China, BHP tests tallow for fuel

AUSTRALIAN renewable fuels developer, HAMR Energy has successfully held a trial with BHP to use animal waste as a biofuel.

The project with the the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) introduced blended biofuel produced from waste tallow (livestock by-products) and used cooking oil as a lower-emissions alternative for shipping across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region.

The pilot saw a BHP-chartered vessel carrying iron ore depart Port Hedland, Western Australia bound for China fuelled by the Australian biofuel feedstock.

A HAMR media release said the trial is designed to provide insights into blended biofuel’s technical performance, traceability and scalability, and highlights the importance of expanding feedstock options to accelerate the supply of lower-emissions fuels and strengthen long-term fuel security.

The release said HAMR played a central role in the pilot, managing fuel certification, supply chain and logistics, working with Australian biodiesel producer JustBiodiesel to source Category 1 tallow and deliver biodiesel to meet project requirements.

“Together, the project demonstrates how close collaboration across the value chain can investigate the opportunity for practical, credible low-emissions fuel solutions,” the release said.

The BHP-chartered bulk carrier, Berge Lyngor, was fuelled with a B100 bio-blend comprising 50% waste tallow and 50% used cooking oil supplied by Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore (METS).

“The blend is expected to deliver an approximately 79% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions on a well-to-wake basis per voyage compared with a conventional very low sulphur fuel oil," the release stated.

“As demand for biofuels grows, diversifying beyond heavily utilised feedstocks such as used cooking oil will be critical to scaling supply.”

Co-founder of HAMR Energy, David Stribley said the pilot demonstrates how new feedstocks like tallow could play a practical role in scaling lower‑emissions fuels for shipping.

“At HAMR Energy, we are focused on building diversified, reliable fuel supply chains that reduce emissions while strengthening energy security. Unlocking underutilised resources such as tallow is a critical step in expanding the biofuels market beyond its traditional feedstock base.

“With demand for sustainable fuels accelerating globally, projects like this show how collaboration across the value chain can turn emerging feedstocks into real-world solutions.”