In September 2023, CBH Group was named as the only grain-focused company to take part in the Blue Visby Consortium trials which aimed to reduce emissions from shipping. Photo: CBH Group

The CBH Group has become the first global customer of the Blue Visby Solution to follow on from trials early last year which achieved carbon-emissions reductions of up to 28 percent from shipping.

It signals Blue Visby’s transition from research and development into commercial deployment, setting the stage for an innovative approach to maritime transport that promises significant environmental and operational benefits.

The collaboration will initially involve a portion of this year’s CBH Marketing & Trading exports of a variety of commodities from CBH Group’s Kwinana Grain Terminal.

By adopting the Blue Visby Solution, CBH aims to optimise shipping operations, reduce costs, and achieve measurable CO2 reductions.

“We’re proud to be at the forefront of this initiative,” CBH head of shipping Pia Van Wyngaard said.

CBH Group head of shipping Pia Van Wyngaard, CBH chartering manager Suzanne Butter, and Blue Visby’s chief technology officer Kimmo Laaksonen, CEO Christian Wounlund and chief maritime officer Captain Munaf Shaikh. Photo: 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 Blue Visby platform addresses one of shipping’s most pressing challenges: reducing its substantial carbon inefficiencies by eradicating the industry practice of “sail fast then wait”.

“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,” Blue Visby chief executive officer Christian Wounlund said.

The platform uses advanced technology to streamline operations, enhancing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.

This approach offers mutual benefits for CBH and vessel operators, reducing costs while improving environmental outcomes.

“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,” Mr Wounlund added.

“This important landmark was made possible thanks to exceptional dedication by the entire Blue Visby team and the unwavering support of CBH.”

Blue Visby trials involved a large number of companies, including global mining giant Anglo American, and the Port of Newcastle and the Port Authority of New South Wales in Australia.

First new wagons delivered

CBH Group took delivery of 96 standard-gauge rail wagons on December 13.

They were unloaded at the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson in Perth, ahead of being commissioned and placed on track this year.

The build of the remaining 101 standard-gauge and 447 narrow-gauge grain hopper wagons continues, with a batch of narrow-gauge wagons expected to arrive in the current quarter.

The new wagons, along with new locomotives, are part of CBH Group’s move to increase its supply chain capacity as part of its Path to 2033 Strategy, which aims to lift out-turn capacity to 3 million tonnes (Mt) per month from 2Mt at present.

Source: CBH Group