SINGAPORE, May 27 (Reuters) - Japanese shipping major NYK Line has begun its first long-term biofuel bunker trial on a very large crude carrier (VLCC), the company said in a statement on Monday.

Marine biofuel is among several alternative bunker fuels that shippers are adopting to cut emissions. By 2030, NYK aims to reduce the group's greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from 2021.

VLCC Tenjun refueled biofuel at the Singapore port earlier this month and will continue to use biofuel for about three months.

"NYK has conducted many short- and long-term safety trials of biofuel use on bulk carriers, car carriers, and liquefied petroleum gas carriers, but this is the first time an NYK-operated VLCC has engaged in a long-term biofuel trial," the company said.

It also recently launched a six-month project for trialing marine biofuel with the Singapore-based Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation. (Reporting by Jeslyn Lerh; Editing by Mark Potter)