Alternative Fuels

VTT to study bio- and waste-based oils suitable for bunker fuel and power plants

Bio-fuel could be identical to fossil fuel in chemical composition, and the aim is to discover a similar oil that can be used on diesel engines with minimal modifications, says VTT.

Published

6 years ago

April 8, 2020

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Finland-based research group VTT on Tuesday (7 April) said it has embarked on a three-year venture with Business Finland BioFlex project, to explore the feasbility of fuel oils made from biomass and waste plastics for power plants and ship diesel engines.

The aim is to determine the most ecologically and economically sustainable way to replace fossil fuels, it says.

VTT says the increase in wind and solar power requires load-following capacity to flexibly compensate for gaps in electricity production on windless and cloudy days.

Power plants that use fuels will continue to be part of energy systems, but there are differences in their flexibility, it notes.

VTT explains that conventional coal- or biomass-fired steam boilers are not capable of load changes that are as fast as those of natural gas-fired gas turbine power plants or the most flexible power plants of them all: internal-combustion engine power plants.

Internal-combustion engine power plants use natural gas or heavy fuel oil in diesel engines, continues VTT.

In order for large diesel engines to be environmentally sustainable both on land and at sea, it is necessary to find bio- and waste-based alternatives to fossil fuels, it concludes.

These will be identified and evaluated in the BioFlex project coordinated by VTT.

“Our goal is to find the most ecologically and economically sustainable way to replace fossil heavy fuel oil in ship and power plant diesel engines,” says Senior Principal Scientist Anja Oasmaa from VTT.

“We compare different methods of industrially producing fuel oils from, for example, waste plastics or biomass, such as harvest residues from forestry and agriculture.

“We are also conducting experiments to examine the suitability of the oils for applications.”

In addition to seeking a sustainable solution for the production of load-following capacity, VTT says the BioFlex project also aims to support the objective of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to halve greenhouse gas emissions from marine traffic by 2050.

VTT states that its mission is to aim for a low-emission fuel oil that keeps and mixes well.

In theory, bio- or waste-based fuel oil could be identical to fossil fuel oil in chemical composition, it says.

In practice, however, it explains that the objective is a similar oil that does not require significant modifications to diesel engines when used.

It notes that it is also essential that the oil keeps well in storage, mixes with fossil oils and keeps sulphur, nitrogen and particulate emissions low.

“The use of bio-oils is still limited, mainly for cost and availability reasons, and I expect the project to address these factors,”says CTO Ilkka Rytkölä from Auramarine, a supplier of fuel injection systems.

“It is very important that the subject is researched together to identify all potential challenges throughout the manufacturing, distribution and consumption chain.

“Every effort must be made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bio-oils will play a significant role in this battle going forward.”

VTT says the BioFlex project has a budget of EUR 1.6 million and is co-financed along with Business Finland and VTT, and other participating companies: fuel oil producers, users and equipment manufacturers.

It adds that the companies involved include Auramarine, Fortum, Neste, Pohjanmaan Hyötyjätekuljetus, Polartek, St1, Valmet and Wärtsilä.

VTT notes it brings to the project its expertise in sustainable development, analytics, diesel engine emission measurement, and thermal conversion methods used in the liquefaction of biomass and waste plastics.

Part of VTT’s role is also to utilise the expert networks of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Photo credit: Chris Pagan
Published: 8 April, 2020

Biofuel

Petrochina International blends over 30,000 mt of marine biofuel since March

Company has been developing marine biofuel blending operations at China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, leveraging storage and logistics facilities at its Aoshan base.

Published

13 hours ago

September 21, 2026

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Zhoushan completes China’s first batch of marine biofuel blending under pilot programme

Petrochina International Co Ltd recently said it has blended more than 30,000 metric tonnes (mt) mt of biofuel since completing the country’s first biofuel marine fuel blending operation on 13 March.

The company said the milestone demonstrates its ability to conduct continuous and large-scale biofuel marine fuel blending operations.

The company has been developing marine biofuel blending operations at China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, leveraging storage and logistics facilities at its Aoshan base.

Its latest product, B24 marine fuel containing 24% biofuel component, meets relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements and marine fuel standards, according to the company. It said the product can be supplied for bunkering vessels operating on international routes.

It has used its global trading network to secure feedstock supplies and support cost control and supply security for the blending operations, it added.

The company said the large-scale blending of its marine biofuel products marks a development in China’s marine biofuel blending market.

It plans to work with upstream and downstream businesses within its group to support the development of Zhoushan Port as a major bonded marine fuel bunkering hub and contribute to its parent group’s transition towards lower-carbon energy.

Manifold Times previously reported China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone launching the first pilot programme for marine biofuel blending in China with the completion of the first batch of B24-HSFO.

The launch was marked with the blending of 2,000 mt of biodiesel and 6,300 mt of high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) in storage tank F-02 of Sinochem-Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan), producing 8,300 mt of B24-HSFO.

Manifold Times also reported the first cross-regional bonded bunkering operation of blended biofuel in East China was successfully completed at the Meishan Port Area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.

The B24-HSFO used in the bunkering operation was supplied by the Aoshan Petroleum Base in Zhoushan from the first pilot programme for marine biofuel blending in China.

Photo credit: Sinochem-Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan)
Published: 21 September, 2026

Ammonia

NYK wraps up first STS ammonia bunkering operation in Japan

Ammonia fuel was transferred from the ammonia carrier “Shoei Maru” via the STS method to an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier, scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

Published

13 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Admin

NYK wraps up first STS ammonia bunkering operation in Japan

NYK Line, on Thursday (17 September) with Japan Marine United Corporation, Nihon Shipyard Co Ltd, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, and Kokuka Sangyo Co Ltd, has completed the world’s first ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering operation to an ammonia-fuelled vessel.

At a quay within Japan Marine United Corporation’s Ariake Shipyard, ammonia fuel was transferred from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru via the STS method to an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

The operation was conducted in preparation for sea trials of the AFMGC using fuel ammonia.

“This achievement represents an important initiative that has put into practice an operation essential for the future practical deployment of ammonia-fuelled vessels,” the company said.

The bunkering operation was conducted following extensive discussions among the companies involved. Safe operating procedures and work processes were established prior to the operation, enabling the transfer to be completed safely. Through this initiative, we have accumulated practical insights regarding safe fuel supply operations.

This operation serves as a pioneering example of the fuel-supply framework that will be required for the widespread adoption of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

The AFMGC is currently in the final stage of construction and is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

“The successful completion of this operation marks a significant milestone toward the broader commercial use of fuel ammonia and the practical deployment of ammonia-fuelled vessels. It also represents an important step forward in establishing an ammonia supply chain,” the company added.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 21 September, 2026

Ammonia

Azane secures ammonia bunker fuel supply from Yara

Yara will supply ammonia to Azane through its established production and logistics network, and Azane will sell the ammonia to end clients in the maritime fuel market.

Published

13 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Admin

Azane secures ammonia bunker fuel supply from Yara

Azane Fuel Solutions AS (Azane) on Friday (18 September) said it has signed an ammonia supply agreement with Yara Norge AS (Yara), securing access to ammonia for Azane’s marine fuel activities.

The company said the agreement represents an important step in establishing a reliable ammonia supply chain to support the maritime sector’s transition towards lower-emission operations.

“The agreement strengthens the ammonia value chain and supports Azane’s ambition to deliver reliable and scalable ammonia solutions for the shipping industry,” it said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Yara will supply ammonia to Azane through its established production and logistics network, and Azane will sell the ammonia to end clients in the maritime fuel market – such as the recently announced agreement with Equinor.

“Securing access to ammonia from a leading global producer is a key milestone for Azane,” said Steinar Kostøl, CEO of Azane Fuel Solutions.

“As interest in ammonia as a marine fuel continues to grow, strong partnerships across the value chain are essential to ensuring a safe, reliable and commercially viable fuel supply.”

“Ammonia is recognized as a promising low-emission fuel alternative for shipping and offshore operations, and we are pleased to support Azane’s efforts to pilot ammonia supply solutions,” said Gunner Sørensen, Senior Sales Manager, Yara Industrial Solutions.

“As a leading global producer and supplier of ammonia, Yara is well positioned to provide reliable supply to customers across a range of industries, including emerging applications such as maritime fuel.”

Photo credit: Azane Fuel Solutions
Published: 21 September, 2026