MASH Makes powers vessel trial using drop-in biofuel from a carbon-negative process  

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes have successfully completed a 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.
The trial confirmed that MASH Makes’ biofuel works as a drop-in solution — compatible with existing systems and able to reduce fossil fuel use in specific marine applications.
“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,” said Henrik Røjel, head of decarbonisation and climate solutions, NORDEN.
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.
A seamless, scalable alternative to fossil fuels MASH Makes biofuel is produced by heating agricultural residues at high temperatures without oxygen.
The resulting bio-oil is comparable with ISO8217 standard fossil fuels. Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems. It also offers flexibility for blending, including with VLSFOs and MGOs, without costly retrofits.
“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. 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, added Maria Jamarillo, senior analyst, boundless impact research & analysis.
For every tonne of biofuel produced, MASH Makes also generates 1.8 tonnes of biochar, a stable, carbon-rich material applied to soil.
MASH Makes biofuel is produced through pyrolysis, which converts agricultural residues into renewable energy.
The company’s facility in Karnataka, India processes 23,700 tonnes of agricultural waste annually, producing 3,400 tonnes of bio-oil and large quantities of biochar. A second plant under construction will triple production capacity.