Incheon, South Korea – April 2025 – In a landmark move for sustainable shipping in Asia, SK Incheon Petrochem has recently launched Korea’s first B30 Biofuel Blend marine fuel, marking a major step forward in the decarbonization of the maritime industry. The innovative marine fuel blend, comprising 70% Straight Run Fuel Oil (SRFO) and 30% biofuel, was officially supplied to vessels starting April 26, 2025, at Incheon Port’s New Port Terminal.
The initiative aligns with global and domestic maritime emissions regulations and aims to meet growing demand for cleaner alternative fuels in commercial shipping. Developed in partnership with JC Chemical and SK Innovation’s Institute of Environmental Science & Technology, B30 has been engineered to meet ISO 8217 standards for marine fuels and is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) for biofuels.
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A Strategic Blend for Sustainability
The new B30 bio marine fuel consists of:
- SK Incheon Petrochem’s SRFO, a high-efficiency fuel produced through a simplified refining process using ultra-light crude oil, offering superior combustion performance and fewer impurities.
- Biofuel supplied by JC Chemical, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction through the use of renewable feedstocks.
Blended in a 7:3 ratio, B30 offers up to 25% carbon emissions reduction compared to conventional marine fuel oils, making it an attractive compliance solution for shipowners seeking to meet both short- and mid-term regulatory targets.
Responding to Global Maritime Regulations
The launch of B30 comes in direct response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s 2030 target to reduce GHG emissions from marine fuels by 21% relative to 2008 levels. As ratified during the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting on April 11, vessels that fail to meet emissions standards will face cost penalties tied to their environmental performance.
With the industry under pressure to adopt cleaner energy, SK Incheon Petrochem’s B30 blend offers a ready-to-implement solution that reduces emissions without requiring extensive engine modifications or infrastructure changes.
Unique Advantages of SRFO-Based Blending
One of the key differentiators of SK Incheon Petrochem’s B30 biofuel is the use of SRFO, produced in a single, non-cracking process that preserves fuel purity and energy density. Unlike conventional blended fuels, which often rely on multiple feedstocks and post-treatment, SRFO delivers:
- Higher energy output
- Improved safety
- Fewer contaminants
- Lower maintenance costs
This technological approach positions B30 not only as a greener alternative, but also as a performance-optimized fuel suitable for both coastal and ocean-going vessels.
Scaling Supply for Global Impact
Initially targeting shipping companies operating in Korea’s West Sea region, SK Incheon Petrochem is building a stable supply infrastructure to serve both domestic and international maritime customers. With plans to scale its footprint, the company is positioning B30 as a practical, scalable solution for vessels seeking to lower their carbon intensity under tightening global standards.
“We aim to provide next-generation fuel that combines environmental benefits with superior quality to domestic and international shipping companies through a stable supply system,” said Yoon Young-ho, Head of B2B Business Office at SK Incheon Petrochem. “We expect that biofuel-blended marine fuel will establish itself as a sustainable energy transition model for the shipping industry to address greenhouse gas regulations.”
Pioneering Low-Carbon Fuel in Korea’s Maritime Sector
As the first company in Korea to commercially supply biofuel-based B30 marine fuel, SK Incheon Petrochem is not only meeting a market need — it is actively shaping the country’s response to international climate obligations in maritime transport. The launch sets a precedent for other regional suppliers and positions South Korea as an emerging hub for clean marine energy solutions in Northeast Asia.
About SK Innovation
SK Innovation is the largest private energy company in the Asia-Pacific region and has been a cornerstone of South Korea’s energy industry for over 60 years. With a long-term vision to become a leading “Total Energy & Solution Company,” SK Innovation operates across a diverse range of energy sectors, including oil and chemicals, LNG, power, batteries, renewable energy, and advanced energy solutions.
The company manages its global operations through a portfolio of seven specialized subsidiaries:
- SK Energy (Korea’s first and largest oil refiner),
- SK Geo Centric (driving circular economy solutions in plastics),
- SK On (a global leader in electric vehicle batteries),
- SK Enmove (focusing on lubricants and energy-saving solutions),
- SK Incheon Petrochem (producer of high-value-added petrochemical products),
- SK IE Technology (global leader in battery separator materials), and
- SK Earthon (upstream energy exploration and production).
In addition, SK Innovation E&S (formerly SK E&S), operating under a Company-in-Company (CIC) model, leads the group’s global LNG value chain and renewable energy transition, with growing investments in hydrogen and integrated energy solutions.
Through this agile structure and its commitment to sustainable innovation, SK Innovation is transforming the traditional energy model and delivering integrated, customized Energy Solution Packages to meet evolving global demands.
Source SK Innovation