Trafigura and Braskem have teamed up to deliver the world’s first cargo of carbon-offset naphtha.
The cargo left Corpus Christi, Texas, last week and will go to Braskem, via the Brazilian Port of Aratu.
Trafigura said it would provide data on the emissions of the processing and transportation of the 325,000 barrel cargo.
The two will cancel out the carbon through efficiency measures, which reduce emissions, and surrendering of “high quality” carbon offsets.
“Naphtha is a vital component for the plastics industry and this carbon offset cargo, the first of its kind, demonstrates the potential to reduce upstream supply chain emissions for non-combustible plastics,” said Trafigura’s global head of naphtha and condensates Dmitri Croitor.
“We believe this could be an important additional step in the industry’s efforts to minimise emissions.”
Trafigura said it had worked with the owner of the vessel to minimise emissions on transport of the cargo. The trader said it would achieve this by choosing the most energy efficient vessel and by reducing speed.
Circular economy
The carbon offsets will come from nature-based projects in Indonesia. Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) has verified the offsets.
“Braskem is committed with a carbon neutral circular economy strategy and this pilot is a step forward in this direction, contributing to offset part of the value chain emissions,” said Braskem’s feedstocks, chemicals and global chartering director Hardi Schuck.
“Today’s announcement fits with our efforts to continue to advance in innovation and to develop low carbon solutions.”
The first carbon neutral LNG cargo was delivered in 2019. Occidental Petroleum announced it had delivered the world’s first carbon neutral oil cargo in January 2021. Trafigura played a part in delivering the first carbon neutral condensate cargo, in mid-March.
Oxy said its crude offsets were to Verra VCS. Trafigura offset its first condensate cargo with VCS or Gold Standard.