Pacific International Lines (PIL) started a trial use of marine biofuel on 10 March at the Port of Singapore, on its container vessel Kota Megah, which is deployed on China Pakistan Service (CPS) route.
With this trial, PIL aims to test the feasibility of using marine biofuel on the engines of the vessel and to obtain “first-hand” data on the potential carbon and other emissions.
PIL said it will be therefore able to better assess the technical and commercial viability of using biofuel as a potential “drop-in” fuel solution, in an effort to achieve its decarbonisation objective for the overall reduction of carbon emissions in its vessels.
“This marine biofuel trial is another important step for us in our journey towards reducing carbon emissions across our fleet,” pointed out Lars Kastrup, co-president and executive director of PIL.
“While we have identified LNG, which reduces carbon emissions by around 20%, as the most immediate and pragmatic transitional fuel option for the ships which we recently ordered, we are also looking at similar practical solutions for our existing ships,” he added.
The type of biofuel on trial is a blend of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), according to a statement.
FAME is a renewable alternative fuel largely produced from recycled cooking oils and renewable oil sources. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable, with physical properties similar to conventional diesel.
The origination and production of the feedstocks used to produce FAME are certified for their sustainability to internationally recognised standards, according to the Singaporean-based shipping line.
