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Lloyd’s Register releases ‘Technical Report: NOx from marine diesel engines using biofuels’

Technical update consolidates client experience and industry feedback from sea trial findings on NOx emissions when using biofuels as a bunker fuel.
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LR technical report NOx from marine diesel engines using biofuels

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) recently released the Technical Report: NOx from marine diesel engines using biofuels document.

The technical update, which follows technical insights from the outcomes of early biofuel trials in marine diesel engines, consolidates client experience and industry feedback from sea trial findings on NOx emissions when using biofuels.

Summary of NOx emission findings

There are four key observations from the trials in which LR acted as an independent advisory body to assess the means of gathering data, carrying out analysis and supporting clients in the presentation of the final outcome of the trials to the flag administrations:

  1. In terms of magnitude, NOx emissions were not significantly increased across the load range, in any instances by the use of any of the biofuels trialled.
  2. In terms of range, the majority of the NOx emission changes resulting from the use of those biofuels were no more than that level of trial repeatability.
  3. Each combination of biofuel and engine has its own particular NOx emission characteristics.
  4. For all the biofuel trials undertaken, there were no specific engine adjustments; the NOx critical settings or operating values were retained, as given in the respective Technical Files, as they would be for the use of the petroleum derived fuels.

The general feedback from ships which have undertook onboard NOx measurements was that the process represented a substantial extra workload which is far removed from normal service.

The findings from such work are inevitably constrained by the realities of working with installed and in-service engines and their associated systems, together with the real-world difficulties of undertaking necessary measurements.

Therefore, many ships which initially seek to use biofuels to potentially reduce their greenhouse gas emissions are being restrained by the complexity of having to determine NOx emissions.

The following organisations have shared their insights:

  • Canadian Steamship Lines
  • Maran Dry Management, Angelicoussis Group
  • d’Amico Società di Navigazione
  • Major oil tanker operator
  • Good Fuels (biofuel supplier)
  • CMA CGM
  • Wärtsilä (Engine Builder)
  • MAN Energy Solutions SE (Engine Builder)

Note: The Technical Report: NOx from marine diesel engines using biofuels document may be downloaded from this link: https://www.lr.org/en/resources/nox-from-marine-diesel-engines-using-biofuels/

 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 5 April, 2022

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Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.
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July 11, 2025

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Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
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5 days ago

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July 9, 2025

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The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

President MT 02

The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

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Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

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5 days ago

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July 9, 2025

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BHP ammonia DF charters

Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

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