Shell to provide renewable biofuel for Maersk voyage

The fuel for the trial will be supplied by Shell, and will include up to 20% sustainable second-generation biofuels. The use of biofuels in the trial, which will take place between March and June 2019, will save an estimated 1,500 tonnes of CO2 and 20 tonnes of sulphur. The pilot was initiated and sponsored by members of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition (DSGC), which includes FrieslandCampina, Heineken, Philips, DSM, Shell and Unilever.

Søren Toft, Chief Operating Officer A.P. Moller – Maersk commented: “To reach our net zero CO2 target by 2050, in the next 10 years we need big breakthroughs. Maersk cannot do this alone. That is why this collaboration with DSGC and its members is such an important step in identifying and bringing low carbon solutions to life. It lays the foundation for how cross-industry partners can work together to take steps towards a more sustainable future. We welcome others to join in our efforts, as this journey is just beginning.”

Søren Toft added “Biofuels are one of the viable solutions that can be implemented in the short and medium term. Through this pilot, we aim to learn more about using biofuels in general, and to understand the possibilities around increasing its usage in a sustainable and economical way.”

Sustainably sourced second-generation biofuels are just one possible solution for the decarbonization of ocean shipping. Longer term, breakthroughs in fuel and technical development (i.e. e-fuels) and the investment into commercial supply chains are needed to achieve significant emissions reductions.