RCL and OR Sign Landmark Agreement to Introduce Biofuel in Container Shipping

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RCL OR Biofuel Container Shipping

Regional Container Lines Public Company Limited (RCL) and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pioneer the use of biofuel in Thailand’s container shipping sector. The agreement, formalised on June 4, 2025, marks the first collaboration of its kind both domestically and internationally, as the two companies join forces to promote sustainable maritime operations through the supply of Bio Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (Bio VLSFO).

Under the agreement, OR’s Energy Solutions Business will provide RCL with biofuel solutions tailored to meet the demands of modern shipping while reducing the environmental footprint of fleet operations. The initiative aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions across RCL’s regional shipping network and represents a significant step in the industry’s transition to cleaner marine fuels.

A Strategic Commitment to Responsible Growth

RCL has long identified sustainability as a core pillar of its strategic vision and continues to invest in environmentally responsible practices. The adoption of biofuel aligns with the company’s long-term goals of balancing commercial growth with environmental stewardship.

“This milestone underscores our dedication to leading the way in responsible maritime operations,” said a company spokesperson. “By adopting cleaner fuels, we aim not only to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions but also to support global decarbonisation efforts and protect marine ecosystems.”

The use of Bio VLSFO will play a critical role in minimising the environmental impact of container shipping, particularly in high-traffic trade lanes where emissions reduction is essential. It also aligns with broader international efforts to phase in alternative marine fuels and reduce the carbon intensity of the shipping sector.

Collaborating for a Greener Maritime Future

The MOU between RCL and OR reflects a growing industry shift towards sustainable energy sources and highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships in achieving environmental targets. With Thailand positioning itself as a leader in clean energy adoption within the maritime sector, this collaboration sets a precedent for other regional carriers.

As RCL prepares to integrate biofuel into its fleet operations, both companies have reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and industry leadership. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations across Asia’s shipping and energy sectors, contributing meaningfully to the global transition toward sustainable logistics.

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Ryan Finn
Ryan is the Digital Marketing and Content Creation Manager for Trade and Logistics Siam Ltd. He provides a creative flair to the team and his resourcefulness helps to bring an imaginative improvement to both literary archetypes and online content production. A writer by day and a rider by night, when he's not composing the latest logistics news update or creating compelling copy for our clients, Ryan spends his free time travelling Thailand by motorbike.