The maritime industry has made a significant leap towards decarbonization with three recent biofuel milestones achieved by major shipping companies and operators. The developments demonstrate the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions, which are critical in reducing the industry’s massive carbon footprint.
OOCL, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, has marked its first biofuel bunkering operation in Hong Kong by procuring ISCC-EU certified B24 marine biofuel from Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-chemical Co Ltd (CPN). This milestone reinforces OOCL’s commitment to ecofriendly energy solutions, contributing to the global maritime sector’s goal of reducing carbon emissions.
In another significant development, Van Oord has achieved a major milestone in its decarbonization efforts with the first delivery of biofuel for its 2011-built flexible fallpipe vessel. The delivered biofuel is a B30 blend, consisting of 30% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and 70% marine gasoil (MGO). The HVO is a high-quality, renewable diesel produced from waste materials, primarily used cooking oil, and certified under the ISCC scheme, ensuring its sustainability. This blend has already resulted in a 26% reduction in CO2e emissions.
Peninsula has also made a significant contribution to the decarbonization efforts with the successful biofuel bunkering of the containership Yantian Express with its IMO II chemical tanker, Aalborg. The supply operation was carried out for Hapag-Lloyd in the Port of Barcelona, where the vessel received 2,200mt of B30 VLSFO. The sustainable biofuel used for this blend was ISCC EU certified biodiesel derived from used cooking oil (UCOME).
These developments demonstrate the growing trend towards sustainable energy solutions in the maritime industry. The use of biofuels offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions and can help shipping companies achieve their decarbonization goals. As the industry continues to move towards a low-carbon future, these milestones will play a crucial role in reducing the sector’s massive carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
