GeoServe executes its 1st delivery of marine biofuel

GeoServe announced Sept. 4 its first delivery of biofuel-blended bunkers onboard the Scorpio MR Pool Vessel STI Larvotto.

The vessel was supplied with B24 marine biofuel, a blend comprising 24 percent biodiesel made from used cooking oil mixed with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).

This marine biofuel blend was delivered in Singapore Aug. 14 by a reputed oil major.

Amidst the numerous operational and technical measures being explored to reduce emissions, marine biofuel blends are actively being considered a front runner and a key driver towards decarbonization on existing conventional vessels.

One of the fundamental reasons for the attractiveness of biofuel blends as a decarbonization pathway for vessels is their ability to be used without modifications (i.e., their “drop-in” capability).

With a minimum barrier to entry, biofuel blends are expected to play an increasingly important role coinciding with the impact of the EU’s Emission Trading System and International Maritime Organization’s Carbon Intensity Indicator in normal course of running of ships or vessel operations.

Sourcing the biofuel blend will be the simpler aspect, according to GeoServe, but ensuring a delicate balance between fuel quality and emissions stands as a pivotal strategy that requires careful consideration when procuring such fuels.

“At GeoServe, we consider it our duty to guide our customers in achieving their emissions strategy, not merely as a practice, but as a responsibility,” said Sanjay Kapoor, CEO at GeoServe. “Amidst all the discussions surrounding this, it’s imperative to grasp that emissions savings from biofuel blends depend on multiple factors, including the source of sustainable materials, the blending proportion and, notably, the net calorific value of the fuel. We’ve observed that certain blend quality specifications could lead to increased consumption, effectively negating any envisioned emissions savings.”

After a comprehensive market and regulatory assessment, the GeoServe-supplied B24 blend was successfully utilized onboard STI Larvotto during its voyage from Singapore to New Zealand, resulting in a reduction of about 20 percent in CO2 emissions with no appreciable change in consumption, according to GeoServe.

The B24 blend was certified as compliant with International Sustainability and Carbon Certification as well as the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) standards, an IMO carbon factor of less than 2.6, thereby improving the Vessel CII Annual Emissions Ratio value for the voyage.

“With EU ETS taxation expected to be enforced from Jan. 1, 2024, and Fuel EU Maritime [regulations] closely following, it is important for maritime stakeholders to carefully consider the right biofuel specifications as an attractive option for both profit and the planet,” GeoServe stated.

Established in 2019, GeoServe offers a diverse array of on-demand voyage-management solutions, including vessel performance and emissions management, bunker procurement, laytime services and port-disbursement management.