Alternative Fuels

Quadrise, MSC Shipmanagement to trial low-carbon bunker fuels on commercial containerships

Proof-of-concept tests and subsequent operational trials will be carried out using Quadrise’s bioMSAR™ and MSAR® fuel on ‘one or more’ commercial container vessels.

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2022

Admin

Quadrise Fuels International (Quadrise), the supplier of MSAR® and bioMSAR™ emulsion technology and fuels, on Wednesday (27 July) said it has signed a Framework Agreement with MSC Shipmanagement Limited of Cyprus (MSC Shipmanagement) to test the use of low-carbon bunker fuels on one or more containerships.

Under the Agreement, proof-of-concept tests and subsequent operational trials will be carried out using both bioMSAR™ and MSAR® fuel on one or more commercial container vessels, as essential precursor steps to the intended commercial supply of these fuels to MSC's global fleet.

The proof-of-concept (POC) tests for each of bioMSAR™ and MSAR® will be conducted on a vessel now owned by MSC that was previously used for prior successful MSAR® demonstrations on a 69MW 2-stroke engine and commence by no later than 31 December 2022, subject to the ongoing availability of the vessel. Each POC Trial is estimated to require 1,000 metric tonnes (mt) of fuel to confirm engine performance on the vessel.

Subject to positive results from the POC Trials, the fuels will undergo subsequent operational trials to provide commercial operating experience with a view to obtaining Letters of No Objection (LONOs) from the engine manufacturer (Trials) after proving operational viability of bioMSAR™ and MSAR® at both an interim (midway) and final stage (after circa 4,000 operating hours).

It is estimated that approximately 25,000MT of fuel will be required for each of the Trials, with fuel produced by Quadrise and purchased by MSC. In conjunction with the Trials, MSC and Quadrise will jointly continue discussions with other marine engine suppliers to investigate testing bioMSAR™ and MSAR® on their engines.

In parallel, subject to the successful progression of the Trial to the Interim LONO stage, Quadrise and MSC intend to negotiate a collaborative commercial agreement (or agreements) to supply bioMSAR™ and/or MSAR® to be used by MSC. The Parties will also investigate opportunities to test the Quadrise Blend-on-Board solution on a suitable MSC vessel.

Jason Miles, CEO of QFI, said: "This is an important milestone for the Company as we progress our projects and deepen our relationships with leading energy suppliers and users to reduce energy consumption, costs and emissions.”

“Quadrise is delighted to have signed this new agreement with MSC Shipmanagement, the biggest in-house ship management company globally responsible for the largest container ship fleet in the world. We look forward to working with MSC and project stakeholders to demonstrate the commercial viability and environmental benefits of our fuels to the wider seaborne fleet.”

“MSC sets the standard for energy efficiency and biofuel use in the marine sector, and we believe that our bioMSAR™ and MSAR® technology offers an excellent solution to accelerate their decarbonisation and emissions reduction efforts."

Prabhat Jha, Group MD & CEO of MSC Shipmanagement Ltd, said: "MSC Shipmanagement is delighted to be working with the Quadrise team under this new agreement, as together we have an important enabling role in the marine energy transition towards a net zero carbon future and reducing our own vessel emissions.”

“MSC has one of the youngest fleets among the world's leading shipping lines, and we seek to continually improve energy efficiency by collaborating with suppliers such as Quadrise to promote the wider adoption of low and zero-carbon fuels.”

“We each have an important role to play to accelerate the decarbonisation of the shipping and logistics industry and we look forward to progressing commercial testing of bioMSAR™ and MSAR® technology on our fleet together with Quadrise."

Photo credit: Quadrise Fuels
Published: 28 July, 2022

LNG Bunkering

China: Ningbo Zhoushan Port completes first LNG bunkering operation for 2025

Bunkering vessel “Hai Yang Shi You 302” supplied more than 10,000 cubic metres of LNG bunker fuel to containership “MSC Adya” at the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port port on 5 January.

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

Admin

China: Ningbo Zhoushan Port completes first LNG bunkering operation for 2025

Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhoushan Area on Wednesday (8 January) said Ningbo-Zhoushan Port successfully completed its first LNG bunkering operation for the year.

Bunkering vessel Hai Yang Shi You 302 supplied more than 10,000 cubic metres (m3) of LNG bunker fuel to containership MSC Adya at the port on 5 January.

Zhejiang Seaport International Trading, the bunker supplier for the operation, successfully obtained the Zhoushan Anchorage LNG bunkering licence in June 2024, extending refuelling services from dock to sea.

The company’s services cover Meishan, Chuanshan, Daxie and other port areas.

As China's first river-sea LNG transport and bunkering ship, Hai Yang Shi You is currently placed permanently at Ningbo Zhoushan Port, providing a variety of bunkering methods such as ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore.

Zhejiang Seaport International Trading will continue to expand the scope of bonded LNG bunkering operations and new alternative fuels such as green methanol, ammonia and biofuels in the Zhoushan Area.

Photo credit: Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone Zhoushan Area
Published: 10 January, 2025

Nuclear

VARD and partners team up to explore nuclear propulsion for shipping

Project, which involves Knutsen Tankers and DNV, will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

Admin

VARD and partners team up in project to explore nuclear propulsion for shipping

Norway-based shipbuilder VARD on Friday (3 January) said it has partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund, Norway and other key stakeholders in the NuProShip I project, which explores nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.

NuProShip, short for "Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping," will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.

In this project, an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies led to the selection of three promising reactor types:

Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilizing uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.

VARD said TRISO fuel particles, noted for their durability and containment properties, play a crucial role in two of these reactor types.

“TRISO technology in fact, is renowned as one of the most resilient nuclear fuel types available today,” it added.

Alongside VARD, the NuProShip project is supported by other partners, including DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, ship owner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM.

VARD’s primary contribution involves integrating these reactor systems into various vessel types, assessing the technical challenges to enable the future commercial use of nuclear-powered ships.

Photo credit: VARD
Published: 10 January, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: KPI OceanConnect, partners deliver first renewable diesel to cruise industry

Delivery of bunker fuel from Neste was made at Singapore Cruise Terminal, with the fuel sourced from Vopak Penjuru Terminal and transported to a cruise ship via barge “Maple”, operated by Global Energy.

Published

4 days ago

January 9, 2025

Admin

Singapore: KPI OceanConnect, partners deliver first renewable diesel to cruise industry

Global provider of marine energy solutions KPI OceanConnect on Wednesday (8 January) said it partnered with Neste and Global Energy on the first successful delivery of renewable diesel, also known as HVO100, for the cruise industry in Singapore.

The landmark delivery of Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ took place in November 2024 and marked a significant milestone for the Asia-Pacific marine sector.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ is made from 100% renewable raw materials and is a direct replacement for fossil diesel, helping the industry meet its sustainability goals.

The use of this renewable diesel can result in up to 90% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction over its lifecycle compared to fossil diesel.

The fuel is a drop-in solution and is suitable for all diesel-powered engines without the need for additional investment or modification to engines or fuel infrastructure.

The delivery of renewable diesel from Neste was made at the Singapore Cruise Terminal, with the fuel sourced from Vopak Penjuru Terminal and transported to the cruise ship via bunker barge Maple, operated by Global Energy.

KPI OceanConnect facilitated the successful delivery of the renewable diesel, working closely with the vessel's technical team to ensure engine compliance. KPI OceanConnect collaborated with Neste to source the fuel and with Global Energy for operational agreements in Singapore waters.

Ee Pin Lee, Head of Commercial APAC, Renewable Products at Neste, said: "This first supply of Neste MY Renewable Diesel to the marine sector in Asia-Pacific is a significant milestone and demonstrates the versatility of the product across a wide range of applications where it can replace fossil diesel. It is an effective solution for enabling the marine sector to be more sustainable."

Chow Munee, Group Business Manager, Global Energy, added: “Partnering with Neste and KPI OceanConnect to supply renewable diesel to the marine sector in Singapore is an important step in helping our clients reduce their environmental impact. By providing seamless and reliable delivery of HVO, we are supporting the industry’s transition without compromising operational efficiency. We’re proud to play a role in driving these crucial efforts within the maritime sector.”

Jesper Sørensen, Head of Alternative Fuels and Carbon Markets at KPI OceanConnect, said: “We are proud to be industry first movers in sourcing and delivering HVO for our clients, helping them reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their environmental goals. By working closely with Neste and Global Energy, we were able to offer high-quality biofuel to our client, laying the groundwork for further fuel uptake and decarbonisation progress. This successful delivery is a testament to how partnerships can help advance the industry’s green transition.”

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 9 January, 2025