A bunkering operation in November 2020 in Rotterdam Port saw the Ocean Network Express (ONE) operated and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) owned MOL Experience take on biofuels for the first time, with the successful trial of the fuels completed on 7 February.
[s2If is_user_logged_in()]GoodFuels is a Netherlands based biofuels manufacturer that produces marine bunkers from sustainable sources including waste oil or residue which is then processed for biofuel use.
In a joint company statement ONE and GoodFuels said, “During this first trial, the sustainable biofuel was blended with conventional fossil fuels enabling the M/V MOL Experience to make its Atlantic crossings between Europe and the USA.”
The companies concluded that the successful trial “proves the viability of sustainable biofuels” which will help ONE and other operators meet carbon reduction targets of 30% in 2030 and the more stringent 50% reductions by 2050.
“Biofuel is a fuel that is derived from renewable sources. The advanced biofuel used in the trial is made from waste oils such as used cooking oil,” said a joint statement.
These biofuels are considered to be carbon neutral because the production of the biomass from which they are manufactured has absorbed carbon dioxide, any emissions from a vessel’s exhaust are, therefore, equal to the absorbed carbon in production.
GoodFuels also says its “Sustainable biofuels are virtually free of sulphur oxides and deliver 80-90% ‘well-to-exhaust’ C02reduction versus fossil fuel equivalents. They are functionally equivalent to petroleum-derived marine fuels, and no modification is required to the engine or the fuel infrastructure.”
Takeshi Mishima, General Manager of Fleet Management, ONE, said, that “For ONE, biofuel is one of the solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG).”
Michihiko Nakano, General Manager of Bunker Business Division, MOL, said that the MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.0 requires the entire company to achieve sustainable net zero GHG emissions.
“In order to accomplish the vision, we are pursuing possibilities of various alternative marine fuel options. The success of this trial led to the verification of the availability of various leading alternative marine fuels,” added Michihiko.
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