NYK has launched a year-long trial using 100% biofuel (B100) on one of its car carriers. This biofuel, primarily composed of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) from used cooking oil, aims to assess its impact on vessel equipment and operational safety in real-world conditions.
As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, alternative fuels like biofuels are being explored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels are considered a viable “drop-in fuel” because they can be utilized with existing ship engines and infrastructure. NYK has previously tested biofuel blends, starting with B24 in 2024 and moving to B30, but long-term use of B100 remains relatively untested globally.
The trial will continuously operate the car carrier on B100 for a year, focusing on the effects on engines, fuel supply systems, and operational practices. Concerns exist regarding the stability of high-purity biofuels like B100, which can degrade due to exposure to oxygen, light, and heat.
Through this initiative, NYK aims to gather critical data to enhance the safe operation of vessels and promote the broader adoption of high-purity biofuels in the maritime sector.
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