IKEA, CMA CGM and GoodShipping complete biofuel test programme

IKEA Transport & Logistics Services, the CMA CGM Group and the GoodShipping Program have successfully completed their biofuels test programme on vessels owned by CMA CGM.

This follows positive trials of heavy fuel-oil (HFO) equivalent bio-fuel oil (GoodFuels BFO) during the Alexander von Humboldt’s trip from North Europe to Asia, which took place in September and October 2019, as well as the fuelling of CMA CGM's White Shark containership with sustainable biofuel in the Port of Rotterdam in March.

During the trial, sustainable bio-fuel oil was used in a blend with conventional fossil-based marine fuels to power a vessel on a major oceangoing route. The application showed positive results, proving the technical compatibility of sustainable marine biofuels.

These developments demonstrate the viability of advanced biofuels to meet current and future environmental regulations and emission reduction targets, which in turn will help to develop a more sustainable shipping industry.

The bio-fuel oil used by CMA CGM was supplied by GoodFuels, and is the first ever HFO-equivalent biofuel. The fuel delivers 80-90% well-to-propeller carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction, compared to fossil equivalents.

The trials were achieved through IKEA Transport & Logistics Services’ participation in the GoodShipping Program, which is the world’s first decarbonisation initiative for cargo owners.

“We are pleased to conclude that this pilot has been successful and that it has been proven possible to use advanced bio-fuel oil on oceangoing vessels,” commented Elisabeth Munck af Rosenschöld, head of sustainability at IKEA Global Transport & Logistics Services. “It is only through collaboration and partnerships between major players – including cargo owners, ship operators and solution providers – that we can achieve real change at fast pace. We need a diversified portfolio of solutions to achieve our ambitious emissions reduction targets – and marine biofuels are an important part of the puzzle going forward for our sector.”

Xavier Leclercq, vice-president of CMA Ships at CMA CGM Group, added: “As a world leader in shipping and logistics, we are resolutely committed to environmental protection and the energy transition. This world premiere partnership with the GoodShipping Program and IKEA is further proof of the CMA CGM Group’s commitment to improving the sustainability of the shipping industry, and of its pioneering role in the development of innovative and environmentally-friendly solutions. These landmark trials give the maritime sector a vital demonstration into the scalability, sustainability and technical compliance of marine bio-fuel oil, confirming CMA CGM’s leading role in the energy transition of the industry.”

“The success of this test programme with IKEA and CMA CGM builds further evidence of the important role that bio-fuel oil will play in the marine fuel mix, and proves that initiatives already exist on the market for cargo owners to realise their decarbonisation goals,” concluded Dirk Kronemeijer, CEO of The GoodShipping Program. “The GoodShipping Program is committed to helping more cargo owners unlock the potential of this direct decarbonisation option in the near future, as our sector continues to establish and embrace its wider carbon reduction efforts.”