‘World’s first’ zero emission marine biofuel trialled

Trials of the ‘world’s first’ zero emission drop-in marine biofuel have been completed, according to GoodFuels Marine.

According to a statement, the trials of the fungible marine biofuel have been carried out with Norden, a bulker and tanker owner and operator. ‘Hundreds’ of tonnes of GoodFuels’ Bio-Fuel Oil were taken on-board the 37,000 deadweight tonne tanker vessel Nord Highlander as it ran ‘a typical commercial operation’ in the North and Baltic Seas.

GoodFuels claims that its Bio-Fuel Oil delivers near-zero carbon and Sulphur Oxide emissions without any need for engine modifications.

“In our journey so far we have focused on realising the widescale use of bio-marine gas oil (MGO) equivalent biofuel, but for over three years we have been working day and night to develop our BFO solution,” said GoodFuels Marine CEO Dirk Kronemeijer in a statement.

“The importance of its arrival in the market is further underlined by the dual prospect of impending lower sulphur and carbon legislation. Bringing this to market now offers shipping a near-zero carbon and SOx alternative to HFO, and VLSFO – 0.5% blended fossil fuel – both of which will be prevalent in the market post-2020. From this point onwards we want to scale supply as fast as we can in order to actively contribute to the world’s 1.5 degree challenge.”

New regulations have made the search for low emission green fuels increasingly important for the maritime sector. From 1 January 2020 the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will implement a 0.5%m/m cap for fuel oil used in ships. IMO is also looking to introduce Greenhouse Gas reduction requirements.

“Norden has come a long way in increasing fuel efficiency and has reduced CO2 emissions per tonne cargo transported on owned tanker vessels by 25% between 2007 to 2017. With the newly introduced IMO targets on CO2 reductions, however, it is evident that increased fuel efficiency alone is not enough. We need alternative solutions and with this test, Norden has shown a viable method towards reaching these targets.

“Now that we have proven CO2 neutral transport as a viable alternative, I am convinced many carbon-conscious customers will demand this type of transport within a foreseeable future.”