Orix-owned vessel chartered by Norden to conduct UCO-based marine biofuel trial

Orix Corp. announced Nov. 14 that it will conduct a sea trial using biofuel for ship operations in the Orix-owned vessel currently chartered by Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S.

This is the first time for Orix to use biofuels in the owned vessel.

Advanced biofuels made from used cooking oils significantly reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions compared to fossil fuels.

This is due to the feedstock coming from plants that have absorbed atmospheric CO2 while growing.

Marine biofuels can be used in existing vessels without significant modifications to the engines and other equipment.

The sea trial will use a fuel composed of a mix of conventional heavy fuel oil and biofuels made from waste cooking oils.

The trial will verify the safe operation of machineries onboard and evaluate the quantity of CO2-emissions reduction through the usage of biofuel.

Using this blended fuel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 15 percent to 20 percent in this trial.

Orix Group has set GHG-emissions reduction targets as part of its ESG-related key goals and promoted sustainability activities.

These initiatives include in its ship business, where the group has conducted a feasibility study of energy-saving ship operations utilizing wind power and has ordered methanol-fueled ships.

Going forward, Orix Group said it will continue to draw on its experience and expertise to promote initiatives that lead to sustainability, such as the decarbonization of marine transportation.

Since expanding outside of Japan in 1971, Orix Group has grown its business globally and now operates in around 30 countries and regions across the world with approximately 34,000 people.

Norden is a global provider of ocean-based freight services for bulk and project cargo of all sizes.

Norden integrates freight solutions with port logistics, helping customers to optimize and decarbonize their supply chains.

Founded in 1871, Norden is one of Denmark’s oldest internationally operating shipping companies.