Biofuel

K Line subsidiary launches Japan’s first tugboat with onboard biofuel blender

Biofuel blender installed onboard the vessel, manufactured by Conhira, is capable of blending marine fuel oil and biofuel at the blending ratio of choice between 0% and 100%.

Published

2 months ago

April 24, 2026

Admin

K Line subsidiary launches Japan’s first tugboat with onboard biofuel blender

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha’s (K Line) subsidiary Seagate Corporation, on Wednesday (22 April) launched and named a newly built tugboat, equipped with an onboard biofuel blending system at Kanagawa Dockyard in Japan.

While it is equipped with a conventional diesel engine propulsion system using marine fuel oil, the tugboat, named Bisan Maru, is the first Japanese tugboat to be equipped with a biofuel blender and an ultrasonic hull anti-fouling system.

The biofuel blender installed onboard the vessel, which was manufactured by Conhira, is capable of blending marine fuel oil and biofuel at the blending ratio of choice between 0% and 100%.

“This system paves the way for the stable production of fuel that includes biofuel at the desired blending ratio onboard the vessel, even when the ship is in places where it is difficult for bunkering ships to supply blended biofuel,” K Line said in a statement.

The ultrasonic hull anti-fouling system uses ultrasonic waves to hinder marine organisms’ adhesion to the hull and mitigate the deterioration of fuel efficiency due to hull fouling.

This system was developed for a hybrid EV tug scheduled to be completed in 2027. To verify the system in an operational environment, it was first installed in the vessel.

Photo credit: Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha
Published: 24 April, 2026

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Biofuel

NYK Line subsidiary Kinkai Yusen to trial B24 bio bunker fuel on RoRo vessel

Kinkai Yusen says it will conduct a demonstration operation using biofuel refuelled at Hakata Port on 16 June on the RoRo vessel “Nanotsu”.

Published

34 minutes ago

June 12, 2026

Admin

NYK Line subsidiary Kinkai Yusen to trial B24 bio bunker fuel on RoRo vessel

NYK Line subsidiary Kinkai Yusen on Tuesday (9 June) said it will conduct a demonstration operation using biofuel refuelled at Hakata Port on 16 June on the RoRo vessel Nanotsu, which operates between Hakata Port and Tsuruga Port.

The company said it will be the first instance of a domestic RoRo vessel operating using biofuel at Hakata Port.

The biofuel (B24) which will be used will comprise 24% biofuel and conventional marine fuel, and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without requiring major modifications to existing ship equipment.

“The procurement of biofuel will be carried out in cooperation with Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd and Itochu Enex Co Ltd,” it said in a statement.

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Tetsuya
Published: 12 June, 2026

Alternative Fuels

Mureloil deploys hybrid chemical tanker for bunkering and terminal transport

After its delivery, the ship carried out its first commercial operations in the ports of Bilbao and Mugardos before being deployed to Barcelona where it will operate over the coming months.

Published

37 minutes ago

June 12, 2026

Admin

Mureloil deploys hybrid chemical tanker for bunkering and terminal transport

Spanish bunker service provider Mureloil on Saturday (28 February) said it has deployed Bahía Candela, a next-generation hybrid chemical tanker, for operations.

The vessel is specifically designed for bunkering operations and terminal-to-terminal fuel transport.

After its delivery, the ship carried out its first commercial operations in the ports of Bilbao and Mugardos. The tanker then stopped in Algeciras before starting its journey to Barcelona, where it will operate over the coming months.

The Bahía Candela is the first of two sister vessels, with the second named Bahía Beatriz, both of which will be operated by Repsol as part of its maritime decarbonisation strategy to develop low-carbon fuel logistics including methanol and biofuels.

Building on the success of Bahía Levante, the new vessel features a diesel-electric propulsion system combined with 4.2 MW of lithium-ion batteries, enabling fully electric port operations for up to 72 hours—including cargo handling and manoeuvring—with zero direct GHG emissions.

Photo credit: Mureloil
Published: 12 June, 2026

Alternative Fuels

CPN wraps up first B100 bio bunker fuel delivery to oil tanker in Hong Kong

CPN’s dedicated bunker tanker “Guo Si” delivered B100 marine biodiesel to oil tanker “TORM CORRIDO” on 8 June.

Published

24 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Admin

CPN wraps up first B100 marine biodiesel delivery to oil tanker in Hong Kong

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Wednesday (10 June) said it has successfully delivered B100 marine biodiesel to an oil tanker for the first time, bunkering the vessel TORM CORRIDO on 8 June.

The operation marked a significant expansion of CPN’s B100 capability, bringing oil tankers into the range of vessel types it can serve with fully compliant, certified biodiesel supply in Hong Kong.

The achievement reflects a broader surge in market demand. Since CPN launched its B100 marine biodiesel service in January 2026, operator confidence has grown rapidly, and total volumes delivered in the second quarter of 2026 have already exceeded first-quarter totals by more than 300%.

“Total B100 marine biodiesel volumes in Q2 2026 have already exceeded Q1 by more than 300%, driven by the trust of partners like TORM,” CPN said.

The operation was carried out by CPN’s dedicated bunker tanker Guo Si, fully upgraded in compliance with the IMO IBC Code and Hong Kong Cap. 413E.

“As Hong Kong’s only Type II-certified bunker tanker for B100 operations, Guo Si brings the specialist capability to handle pure biofuels safely and compliantly across vessel types,” the company added.

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 11 June, 2026