Alternative Fuels

MAN Energy engine on dredger hopper sails 2,000 hours with renewable Biofuel Oil

‘While our engine technology will remain the prime mover for deep-sea shipping, we have to prepare for the emergence of new fuels, such as BFO,’ said MAN Energy.

Published

6 years ago

September 23, 2020

Admin

German marine engine producer MAN Energy Solutions on Tuesday (22 September) said Jan De Nul Group’s trailing suction hopper dredger Alexander von Humboldt had completed 2,000 hours operation on 100% renewable, second-generation Biofuel Oil (BFO).

The vessel is powered by 2 × MAN 12V32/40 and 1 × MAN 7L32/40 main engines, it noted.

The company stated that this milestone represents the longest continuous use of 100% sustainable marine biofuel in the maritime industry and states that the achievement further reinforces the successful adoption of this fuel solution, proving to the maritime world that BFO is ready for use as a sustainable drop-in fuel to meet industry emissions reduction targets.

“With our choice of this sustainable marine biofuel, we want to prove to the governments and our clients that if they have climate ambitions and incorporate these in the selection procedures, the industry is ready for it,” said Michel Deruyck, Head of Energy Department at Jan De Nul Group.

“It is very important now that the right policies and regulations follow to leverage the full potential of BFO. Research into fuels of the future is useful, but it should not prevent us from using sustainable solutions already available today for the much-needed energy transition within the shipping industry.”

“While our engine technology will remain the prime mover for deep-sea shipping, we have to prepare for the emergence of new fuels, such as BFO, as a supplier to the industry,” added Patrice Mauger, Head of Region Europe at MAN Energy Solutions.

“As such, staying abreast of such developments is paramount to our success. The passing of this notable milestone is testament to the flexibility of our engines and of great credit to Jan De Nul Group whose commitment to decarbonisation is exemplary.”

The Alexander von Humboldt is the first vessel in the world to record this biofuel milestone, said the company. The important technical benchmark of 2,000 sailing hours proves the technical applicability and capabilities of sustainable marine biofuel in operations.

At the same time, it opens the door to cross-sectoral collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), class societies, flagstates, and supply chains to accelerate the supply of these fuels into mainstream use.

Leading up to the 2,000-hour milestone, the Alexander von Humboldt was refuelled at various stages with BFO, which massively reduced the vessel’s CO2 emissions by 85%. The vessel consumed the biofuel while conducting maintenance dredging works in Flemish seaports and the United Kingdom.

The company shared that the BFO was introduced by GoodFuels in 2018. It was the first marine second-generation, fossil-fuel-equivalent biofuel that is completely derived from sustainable waste feedstock in line with the latest European renewable-energy directive.

GoodFuels introduced the BFO as a credible carbon-based solution to accelerate the energy transition.

Photo credit: MAN Energy Solutions
Published: 23 September, 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

22 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Admin

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

23 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

23 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