Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes have successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process. The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation.” – Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications. The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure. If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

Proven performance at sea

The vessel’s roundtrip from Singapore to Brazil successfully used 65 tonnes fuel, containing 20% of MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today.”

– MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen

Shipping contributes nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and is responsible for 90% of all transported goods and raw materials in the world. Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

Why MASH Makes biofuel?

When shipping companies choose MASH Makes biofuel, they’re not just aiming for net zero—they’re choosing a fuel made through a carbon negative process.

A recent Climate Impact Report from independent research firm Boundless Impact assessed the environmental impact of MASH Makes biofuel.

“Our independent analysis shows that MASH Makes’ biofuel production process is carbon negative, which is driven by the permanent carbon sequestration achieved through the co-produced biochar and its use in sustainable agriculture."

– Maria Jamarillo, Senior Analyst, Boundless Impact Research & Analysis

MASH Makes biofuel is produced through pyrolysis, which converts agricultural residues into renewable energy. It’s comparable with ISO8217 marine fuel standards and designed to work as a drop-in fuel for the shipping industry.

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MASH Makes Advanced Biofuel offers:

Compatibility with existing marine engines—proven in both on-shore engine tests and vessel trials in an auxiliary engine

Flexibility for blending, including MGO and VLSFO

No need for infrastructure changes or expensive retrofits

The next phase will test the biofuel in main engines, expanding its application across commercial fleets.

Sustainability beyond fuel

For every tonne of biofuel produced, MASH Makes also generates 1.8 tonnes of biochar, a stable, carbon-rich material applied to soil. Each tonne of biochar locks 3.14 tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere into the ground, creating a direct link between fuel production and carbon removal. This means every tonne of MASH biofuel is associated with 5.7 tonnes of CO₂ being sequestered permanently in the soil.

The company is now working with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to demonstrate how the Center’s life cycle methodology applies to its biochar and biofuel pathway. The collaboration focuses on assessing full system emissions and exploring how co-products like biochar—with carbon removal potential—can be transparently accounted for, and how this contributes toward maritime decarbonisation goals.

MASH Makes production plant in Karnataka, India currently processes23,700 tonnes of agricultural waste annually, producing 3,400 tonnes of bio-oil. A second plant under construction will triple capacity. The goal: remove over one gigatonne of CO₂ by 2040.

For media inquiries, contact Stephanie Kinch at sk@mashmakes.com

MASH Makes is scaling production and partnering with shipowners, operators, and investors seeking immediate, actionable decarbonisation solutions. Fill out the form below to learn how to partner with us.

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