NYK launches trial of B100 biofuel onboard car carrier

NYK has begun a landmark one‑year trial using 100% biofuel (B100) aboard one of its operational car carriers, marking a significant step in the maritime sector’s decarbonisation efforts.

The initiative aims to assess the long‑term safety, stability, and mechanical performance of high‑purity biofuel under real‑world operating conditions.

The fuel used in the trial is a Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) derived mainly from used cooking oil and similar sustainable feedstocks. As a “drop‑in” fuel, B100 can be used with existing ship engines and infrastructure, offering a practical pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions without major vessel modifications.

However, unlike lower‑blend fuels such as B24 and B30 — both previously tested successfully by NYK—B100 presents additional challenges.

High‑purity biofuels are more susceptible to degradation from oxygen, heat, and light, raising concerns about long‑term storage and operational reliability.

Throughout the year‑long trial, NYK will monitor the biofuel’s impact on engines, fuel supply systems, and day‑to‑day vessel operations.

The company aims to gather comprehensive data to support the safe adoption of B100 at scale and to contribute to wider industry knowledge, given the limited global experience with continuous use of pure biofuel in deep‑sea shipping.

NYK views this trial as a crucial step towards expanding the use of alternative fuels and accelerating the transition to sustainable maritime transport. The findings are expected to inform future technical evaluations and support broader decarbonisation initiatives across its fleet.