PERTH, AUSTRALIA — CBH Group has become the first global customer of Blue Visby Solution, a multifaceted platform for reducing shipping emissions, following a successful trial in early 2024 that saw a carbon emissions reduction of 28%.
The collaboration initially will involve a portion of this year’s CBH Marketing & Trading shipments from Kwinana Grain Terminal, covering a variety of commodities. CBH operates 100 grain receival sites across Western Australia, four ports, its own rail fleet as part of its fully integrated supply chain.
By adopting the Blue Visby Solution, CBH said it aims to optimize shipping operations, reduce costs, and achieve measurable CO2 reductions. The partnership aligns closely with CBH’s broader sustainability goals, emphasizing its commitment to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chain.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of this initiative,” said Pia Van Wyngaard, head of shipping for CBH. “Partnering with Blue Visby is a milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety. This technology not only enhances our shipping processes but also reinforces our dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The trials, which took place in March and April, involved two CBH-chartered bulk vessels traveling to the Kwinana Grain Terminal. These included the M/V Gerdt Oldendorff, owned by Oldendorff Carriers, and the M/V Begonia, owned by Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S.
When analyzing the M/V Gerdt Oldendorff, the CO2 savings varied depending on the intended standard speed: 7.9% savings at 12 knots and 28.17% savings at 14 knots. The Begonia demonstrated a CO2 savings of 12.9%, measured against the vessel’s intended speed of 14 knots.
Blue Visby said its platform addresses one of shipping’s most pressing challenges: reducing its substantial carbon inefficiencies by eliminating the industry practice of “sail fast, then wait.” The platform uses advanced technology to streamline operations, enhance fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
The integrated system notifies ships of the optimal date and time for arriving at their destination. Several factors are analyzed, including the weather, vessel performance and congestion at the destination. Blue Visby also provides the required information systems to support measurement of the model and the contractual architecture to allow for cost and benefit sharing.
“The Blue Visby Solution was designed to address shipping’s single largest carbon inefficiency and deliver substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions from today’s fleet, additional to any other energy efficiency device or measure,” said Christian Wounlund, chief executive officer of Blue Visby. “Impact depends on commercial viability, and the partnership with CBH proves that Blue Visby has both the depth of experience and expertise but also the business maturity to be deployed commercially.”
