Marine biofuel trial

The M/V NYK Fuji was refuelled with 1,300 metric tonnes of marine biofuel product during bunkering on 11 February 2022. The vessel, deployed on Ocean Network Express’s SAS service, fully consumed the biofuel in 45 days on its journey to Durban and Cape Town before returning to Southeast Asia.

The biofuel was supplied by bp and is a blend of brown grease methyl ester (BGME), a type of fatty acid methyl ester, with very low sulphur fuel oil.

The BGME is produced from feedstocks labelled as 100% waste or residue and is certified for its sustainability to internationally recognised standards. It is a sustainable biofuel component that is technically and operationally similar to petroleum-derived marine fuels.

The trial required no modifications to marine engines or fuel infrastructure and showed that marine biofuel product can be considered a ‘drop in fuel’ that can help to reduce emissions in shipping.

The use and testing were performed in collaboration with shipowner Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha with the assistance and supervision of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The Port of Singapore is a leading light in the uptake of biofuel, recently completing a bunkering trial of very low sulphur fuel oil for TotalEnergies Marine Fuel and launching a six month biofuel trial with CMA CGM Group.