GCMD Trial Shows 83% Emissions Reduction with Vegetable Oil Biofuel Blend
15/08/2023 (Energy Portal EU) - The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) revealed that carbon emissions decreased by 83% when using a vegetable oil biofuel blend compared to marine gasoil during a trial for a dual-fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier. This trial is part of the GCMD’s $18 million project to test various biofuel blends in order to reduce carbon emissions.
The biofuel blend used in the trial consisted of marine gasoil blended with 30% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) made from 100% waste and residues. The use of HVO resulted in an 83% reduction in emissions compared to using fossil-based marine gasoil.
The mid-sized gas carrier Kaupang, operated by Eastern Pacific Shipping, was supplied with around 200 metric tons of the biofuel blend by GoodFuels. The blending of marine gasoil with 30% biofuel as a pilot fuel for LPG combustion also led to a 20% net reduction in emissions compared to sailing on very low sulfur fuel oil.
To ensure transparency, a tracer was added to the HVO and blended with marine gasoil on board the bunker vessel for origin and quantity monitoring. GoodFuels emphasized the importance of transparency as sustainable marine fuels enter the market.
The GCMD plans to conduct two more supply chain trials over the next few months with details of the assurance framework to be shared in an upcoming public report in early 2024. Previous trials involved blends of used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) with very low sulfur fuel oil and high sulfur fuel oil.
The increase in biofuel bunkering volumes, particularly bio-blended low sulfur fuel oil, has been observed in Singapore, the world’s leading bunker hub. In fact, July saw a monthly record high in sales of bio-blended low sulfur fuel oil.
The maritime industry is working towards the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) decarbonization targets for 2030 and 2050, and these trials play a critical role in developing green fuels for shipping. The results of the GCMD’s trial highlight the potential of biofuel blends to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the sector.