MSC to trial Quadrise biofuels

MSAR is a low viscosity oil-in-water emulsified synthetic HFO. It is manufactured using proprietary technology to mix heavy residual oils with small amounts of specialist chemicals and water to a bespoke formulation. The resulting emulsion contains approximately 30% water and less than 1% chemicals.

bioMSAR is a blend of heavy residual oils and glycerine with small amounts of specialist chemicals and water (patent pending) that are mixed using the MSAR technology. bioMSAR is an oil-in-water emulsified synthetic biofuel, with lower emissions than conventional fuels.

Under the Agreement, proof-of-concept tests and subsequent operational trials will be carried out using both bioMSAR and MSAR fuel on one or more commercial container vessels, as essential precursor steps to the intended commercial supply of these fuels to MSC’s global fleet.

The tests will be conducted on a vessel now owned by MSC that was previously used for prior successful MSAR demonstrations on a 69MW 2-stroke engine. They will commence by no later than 31 December 2022. Each trial is estimated to require 1,000 metric tons of fuel to confirm engine performance on the vessel.

The fuels will undergo subsequent operational trials to provide commercial operating experience with a view to obtaining Letters of No Objection from the engine manufacturer. In conjunction with the trials, MSC and Quadrise will consider tests of other engine types.

Prabhat Jha, Group MD & CEO of MSC Shipmanagement Ltd, said: “MSC has one of the youngest fleets among the world’s leading shipping lines, and we seek to continually improve energy efficiency by collaborating with suppliers such as Quadrise to promote the wider adoption of low and zero-carbon fuels. We each have an important role to play to accelerate the decarbonisation of the shipping and logistics industry and we look forward to progressing commercial testing of bioMSAR™ and MSAR® technology on our fleet together with Quadrise.”