Norden trials first drop-in ‘biofuel oil’

The near-zero carbon and SOx emission biofuel oil is the culmination of three years’ research and development with partners including Royal Dutch Boskalis and engine manufacturer, Wärtsilä. No engine modifications are required to run the new fuel.

“The importance of the fuel’s arrival in the market is further underlined by the dual prospect of impending lower sulphur and carbon legislation,” said Dirk Kronemeijer, GoodFuels Marine’s chief executive.

“Bringing this to market now offers shipping a near-zero carbon and SOx alternative to HFO, and VLSFO – 0.5% blended fossil fuel – both of which will be prevalent in the market post-2020.”

Jan Rindbo, chief executive of Norden, added: “Norden has come a long way in increasing fuel efficiency and has reduced CO2 emissions per tonne cargo transported on owned tanker vessels by 25% between 2007 to 2017.

“With the newly introduced IMO targets on CO2 reductions, however, it is evident that increased fuel efficiency alone is not enough.”

The trials were conducted on the 37,000 dwt Handysize product tanker vessel Nord Highlander during typical operation in the North and Baltic Seas.

The successful operation means that fuel requirements can be future-proofed by shipowners and operators who are seeking an alternative to both distillates and ultra low sulphur fuel oil in order to comply with 2020 0.5% sulphur cap requirements, as well as impending IMO greenhouse gas reduction rules.