Biodiesel refined from brown grease successfully used in ONE’s 3rd trial of marine biofuel

Bunkering took place onboard the Singapore Flag M/V NYK Fuji Feb. 11. (Photo: Ocean Network Express)

Ocean Network Express announced April 7 the successful completion of its third trial of marine biofuel onboard the Singapore Flag M/V NYK Fuji.

M/V NYK Fuji was refueled with 1,300 metric tons of marine biofuel product during bunkering at the Port of Singapore Feb. 11. The vessel, deployed on ONE’s SAS service, fully consumed the biofuel in 45 days. The trial started Feb. 21 after the vessel passed the Malacca Straits, sailing onwards to the ports of Durban and Cape Town, before returning to Southeast Asia.

The biofuel product used was a blend of brown grease methyl ester (BGME), which is a type of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) also known as biodiesel, and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). The BGME used is produced from feedstocks labeled as 100 percent waste or residue and is certified for its sustainability to internationally recognized standards. The trial required no modifications to marine engines or fuel infrastructure and showed that marine-biofuel product can be considered a drop-in fuel that can help to reduce emissions in shipping.

The blend of BGME with VLSFO was supplied by BP. The use and testing were performed in collaboration with shipowner Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha with the assistance and supervision of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The use of marine biofuels will help reduce ONE’s carbon footprint to achieve its environmental sustainability target of net-zero emissions by 2050.