Decarbonisation

Odfjell conducts ‘first near’ carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage with sails and bio bunker fuel

Vessel is currently crossing the Atlantic powered by a combination of wind-assisted propulsion and a certified sustainable 100% biofuel; voyage showed a full 85% reduction in GHG intensity.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

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Odfjell conducts ‘first near’ carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage with sails and bio bunker fuel

Norway-headquartered Odfjell on Friday (25 April) said its chemical tanker Bow Olympus is about to complete the first near-carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage.

The vessel is currently crossing the Atlantic powered by a combination of wind-assisted propulsion and a certified sustainable 100% biofuel, sourced from certified sustainable waste materials.

“This milestone voyage proves how existing technologies and fuels can be paired to accelerate deep-sea shipping’s transition to net zero emissions,” the company said.

Real-time data from the voyage confirmed that this dual propulsion approach is not only technically feasible, but also impactful: The vessel’s GHG emissions on the current voyage meet the 2050 Fuel EU Maritime GHG intensity targets and IMO’s GFI Direct Compliance targets at least until 2044.

As Bow Olympus reached European shores last weekend, it has demonstrated that the dual propulsion solution is a realistic pathway to carbon neutrality for deep-sea shipping, 25 years ahead of time: The voyage showed a full 85% reduction in GHG intensity compared to conventional fuels, without technical investments or upgrades required to consume the fuel.

In addition, the energy efficiency is improved by 15-20% by the use of sails.

The power of wind-assisted propulsion has been tested through Bow Olympus’ two first cross-Atlantic voyages. The four 22-meter suction sails have been operational under varying weather conditions, with the performance closely monitored by Odfjell’s crew and technology team on board and onshore.

“The results have surpassed our expectations,” confirmed VP Technology Erik Hjortland.

“Even in good, but not perfect, wind conditions, we observed a 15 to 20% energy-saving effect. That translates to five tonnes of fuel saved per day, equivalent to a reduction of 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day.”

“On certain parts of the current voyage, we have seen up to 40% fuel consumption reductions. These are very promising figures. We are thrilled to note that our initial calculations are confirmed and even exceeded.”

Using a new type of AI-based weather routing system allowed the five-year-old 49,000 dwt vessel to take full advantage of the prevailing wind conditions.

“One surprising finding is that even light wind as high as 15 degrees on the bow generates noticeable effect. This means that we can probably operate the sails more often than anticipated, positively affecting the already healthy return of investment figures. The sails also offer stabilizing and roll-damping effects,” Hjortland added

“Based on current data, we expect that the sails will continue delivering significant fuel savings on future deep-sea voyages in all basins.”

The bunkered biofuel was sourced from certified sustainable waste materials. The certification body is accredited by both IMO and EU.

Having exhausted most conventional upgrades, Odfjell is now focused on next-generation solutions—such as wind propulsion—to meet its 2030 goal of 57% carbon intensity reduction.

To move the needle beyond 57%, a fuel switch is required. Odfjell said it has chosen to remain flexible, keeping all doors open at a time when the marine fuel of the future for shipping remains undecided.

“The choice of biofuel for this proof-of-concept voyage was done to demonstrate one of the pathways,” it added.

Photo credit: Odfjell
Published: 28 April, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

Baleària arranges LNG bunkering operations on same day at Port of Barcelona

Occasion marked the first time three bunkering operations were carried out on three different ships on the same day at the same port in Spain.

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21 hours ago

May 19, 2025

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Baleària arranges three LNG bunkering operations on same day in Barcelona

Spanish shipping company Baleària on Thursday (15 May) said it broke an all-time record for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the bunkering of three of its vessels in the port of Barcelona.

The occasion marked the first time three bunkering operations were carried out on three different ships on the same day at the same port in Spain.

The company said the three vessels were fuelled with a total of 2,320 MWh of LNG by eight tankers.

Fast ferry Margarita Salas was fuelled by three tankers simultaneously. Ferry Martín i Soler was fuelled by two tankers and ferry Bahama Mama was bunkered by another three tankers also.

“Our commitment to LNG grew by 184% in 2024. Combined with electric propulsion and other eco-efficiency measures, we have managed to reduce our carbon footprint by almost 10% per passenger,” it said.

Photo credit: Baleària
Published: 19 May, 2025

Biofuel

Cosco-controlled Piraeus Container Terminal offers biofuel bunkering services

PCT, a fully controlled subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports, has officially introduced biofuel bunkering services for vessels calling at the Port of Piraeus.

Published

22 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Admin

Cosco-controlled Piraeus Container Terminal offers biofuel bunkering services

Cosco Shipping Europe, the regional management company of China Cosco Shipping Corporation in the European Region, on Friday (16 May) said biofuel bunkering is now available at Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT) in Greece.

PCT, a fully controlled subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports, has officially introduced biofuel bunkering services for vessels calling at the Port of Piraeus – supporting customers in achieving greener, more sustainable supply chains.

After listening to customer needs, Cosco Shipping (Europe) said PCT swiftly moved into action to re-evaluate legal foundations for biofuel bunkering under ISO 8217:2024 and new Greek regulations.

It added that PCT also partnered with suppliers to provide full-service bunkering options.

Photo credit: Cosco Shipping Europe
Published: 19 May, 2025

Ammonia

ABS answers critical safety questions related to using ammonia as a marine fuel

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as STS, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

Published

22 hours ago

May 19, 2025

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Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Thursday (15 May) published its report to bring together the findings of its advanced research into the performance of ammonia on board.

Critical safety questions such as “how does ammonia behave when it leaks in an engine room?” and “how does a cloud of escaped ammonia disperse during bunkering operations?” are addressed in the latest ABS research.

ABS performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using advanced tools to quantitatively assess the risks associated with ammonia dispersion in accidental leakage scenarios.

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as ship-to-ship, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

“This publication provides a comprehensive report of ABS’ efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by ammonia as a marine fuel,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“Through detailed analysis of ammonia dispersion studies and emergency evacuation protocols, ABS is contributing to the discourse on safe and supportable maritime fuel alternatives, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.”

In addition to CFD simulation analysis, ABS leveraged the latest industry best practices and advancements in software and hardware – including acoustic cameras for detecting and visualizing ammonia leakage – to provide a thorough, three-part framework for owners and operators evaluating ammonia as a cleaner fuel source:

Proactive regulatory engagement and risk anticipation
Development and implementation of a multifaceted safety framework, combining qualitative and quantitative risk assessments
Real-time monitoring and optimized emergency response

Note: Download a copy of the ABS publication Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel here.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 19 May, 2025