Tanker shipping company Uni-Tankers and global marine energy solutions provider KPI OceanConnect have announced they have completed the successful supply and trial of a bespoke blend of B30 biofuel on the former's 5,700 DWT chemical tanker, M/T Alsia Swan.
In a statement issued today (19 September), the companies said the trial, which took place in Amsterdam, was an ‘important step’ for understanding the emissions performance of biofuel and validating its potential to help cut carbon emissions.
KPI OceanConnect arranged for the supply of 34,000 litres of bio grade fuel containing a 30% blend of FAME (fatty acid methyl esters). The fuel supply was part of a two-day trial, which saw emissions for the biofuel measured and compared with emissions for low sulphur marine gasoil (LSMGO) under the same conditions.
Throughout the trial, tests were carried out at four different loads to assess the reliability and performance of the bio-fuel blend. Alongside trials of the B30 biofuel, Uni-Tankers ran identical operations for an LSMGO fuel of equal quality. Sampling and analysis for the trial was performed by a team from FORCE Technology.
In results from the trial, Uni-Tankers saw particulate matter (PM) emissions reduced by as much as 42% when fuel supply was switched from LSMGO fuel to B30. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were also reduced by 18%. The companies also noted that by using a blend of 30% biofuel and 70% fossil MGO, M/T Alsia Swan can cut lifecycle emissions of CO2 by an equivalent amount.
‘We are very pleased to be partnering with the Uni-Tankers team on this project to deliver high-grade biofuel for their vessel in Amsterdam. By sharing our knowledge and providing expert guidance on fuel strategies, including finding the right biofuel blend ratio to meet the specific needs of vessel operators, we aim to build partnerships with our clients that support their long-term success through the energy transition in shipping,’ said Jesper Sørensen, Global Head of New Fuels and Carbon Markets, KPI OceanConnect.
‘For KPI OceanConnect our close partnership with Uni-Tankers is a model for delivering excellence to our clients.’
Lisa Clement Jensen, Head of Strategy at Uni-Tankers, added: ‘The need to cut emissions is one of the most urgent matters in the shipping industry and we are very pleased to be working with KPI OceanConnect for the biofuel trials on the M/T Alsia Swan. Decarbonisation is at the top our strategic agenda and we aim to contribute to a climate-resilient development of the shipping industry. These trials enable us to assess the potential and viability of biofuels as part of our ongoing decarbonisation efforts.’
