UECC’s biofuel breakthrough: 500 hours of operation with cashew nut shell oil

Daniela Castillo Monagas

In a major milestone, United European Car Carriers (UECC) has completed 500 hours of ship operation using cashew nut shell oil (CNSL), a novel biofuel produced by ACT Group in the Netherlands. The trial project, which involves Lloyd’s Register and Wärtsilä, aims to test the use of “B100” CNSL as a 30% component in fuel blends.

UECC’s focus on alternative fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), has resulted in significant carbon dioxide reductions. By combining biofuel and LNG in their fuel mix, the company achieved a reduction of 60,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions across its fleet in 2023, with two-thirds of that attributed to biofuel.

UECC highlighted the importance of sustainability and the need for rigorous due diligence in sourcing biofuels. Some biofuels may contain questionable feedstocks and not all are created equal. The company has worked with ACT to formulate high-quality blends.

The successful trial marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the shipping industry, with UECC aiming to increase its use of LNG and biofuel to achieve an annual emissions reduction of 87,346 tonnes by 2025. The company’s commitment to eco-friendly operations is reflected in its plans to deploy five eco-friendly Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTCs) in its short-sea trades, including three LNG-powered ships and two dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels.

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