Japan: NYK begins first long-term bio bunker fuel test run on VLCC

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) on Monday (27 May) said it began a long-term biofuel test run on its very large crude oil tanker (VLCC) Tenjun on 2 May. 

The vessel received an initial supply of biofuel in Singapore and will continue to use biofuel for approximately three months to comprehensively verify the safe and stable procurement of biofuel for long-term use.

“NYK has conducted many short- and long-term safety trials of biofuel use on bulk carriers, car carriers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, but this was the first time an NYK-operated VLCC has engaged in a long-term biofuel trial,” the firm said on its website.

Biofuels are made from organic resources (biomass) of biological origin, such as agricultural residues and waste cooking oil, and are considered to have virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when combusted.

“Since they can be used in heavy-oil-powered ship engines, which are common on large merchant ships, biofuels are considered a key means of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transition period from heavy oil to zero-emission fuels,” NYK added.

Vessel Particulars

Length : 330.00 metres
Width : 60.00 metres
Gross tonnage: 159,927 tonnes
Deadweight tonnage: 302,108 tonnes
Year built: 2008
Shipbuilder: IHI Marine United Shipbuilding Corporation (Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture)

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 27 May 2024