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.
Related: CMA CGM Group and Shell enter biofuel partnership for shipping fleet
Photo credit: MAN Energy Solutions
Published: 23 September, 2020
Fast Energy Sdn Bhd is currently exploring collaboration with a major Malaysian bunker supply firm operating at Port Klang; the operation will be supported by CCK Petroleum upon finalisation.
Veritas Petroleum Services records numerous contaminants such as plastic, fibres, black gum, paraffins, fatty acids, and other component found in the off-spec RMK 700 marine fuel.
Course includes topics on valid and binding transactions; quality or quantity disputes; shipping issues; contract termination; claims; insolvency and others. Registration closes 25 February 2021.
All bunker vessels that have received the necessary clearance for out of port bunkering operations may do so at the stated Tompok Utara coordinates only or risk penalty, according to the MMEA.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and MPA is working closely with other agencies to monitor the situation, both globally and in Singapore, the port authority tells Manifold Times.
Caroline Yang, President of SSA, addresses issues earlier raised by players; including PMC No. 04, the seven-day restriction, contactless bunkering, sampling point, hose connection, and more.