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Refinery Automation Institute: Marine fuels GHG carbon footprint reduction is possible through blending

Blending alternative fuels and current fuels can be a straightforward and practical alternative that can be implemented right now and does not require engine and storage tank modifications, says reps.

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The following is an article written by Ara Barsamian and Daniel BC Son of the Refinery Automation Institute that was recently shared with Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times on blending fuels of different carbon intensities to substantially reduce GHG emissions.

The paper describes the technique with two cases: blending RMG380 with FAME and green hydrogen with liquified natural gas (LNG):

Great efforts are undertaken to develop alternative fuels to replace traditional hydrocarbon fuels. The bunker industry, through IBIA, has started a working group to evaluate the potential and practicality of alternative fuels, encompassing among others, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels. It is an admirable effort, bringing all suppliers, engine manufacturers, shipowners, and users together. However, most of the alternatives are not capable of mass production or capable to be implemented in the existing conventional engines.

There is a straightforward and practical alternative that can be implemented right now, which does not require modifying of the engines, storage tanks, or other safety engineering related mods: GHG CI blending.

Dilution of Green House Gas (GHG) Carbon Intensity (CI)

Dilution of CI is done by blending two or more fuel blend components with different CI’s.

Each fuel material has its own CI number, expressed in units of gCO2e/MJ. The CI number depends on the specific “pathway” used for fuel life cycle analysis, from its “birth to death”. That is the reason why the same fuel, e.g., FAME, can have a different CI’s depending on the individual pathways, such as means of production or usage (Fig. 1).

Screenshot 2022 10 18 at 12.07.57 PM

CI data bases are available from US EPA and other organizations (see references 1 through 4).

The CI “blending method” achieves substantial reduction in carbon intensity

  • Without new alternative or experimental fuels
  • Mostly without modifications to existing engines or fuel infrastructure

To put the theory to test, we calculated a blend of RMG 380 with FAME biodiesel [1] using the EPA CI database numbers; the results show a potential reduction of 21% in the CI of the 70/30% blend:

Screenshot 2022 10 18 at 12.08.09 PM

For Automotive Diesel, you can also use FAME, Renewable Diesel (RD), or “Green” middle distillates, such as green diesel, green jet, etc., illustrated in Fig. 3.

Screenshot 2022 10 18 at 12.10.21 PM

Applicability of Blending Method to Dilute Carbon Intensity (CI)

The GHG CI dilution by blending applies equally to alternative fuels, e.g., blending “Green” hydrogen with LNG, or Ammonia or Methanol, etc. (Fig. 4).

Screenshot 2022 10 18 at 12.08.55 PM

If you are interested in getting a copy of the Excel-based GHG CI dilution blending spreadsheet, send us a request to [email protected] or [email protected].

The calculator covers GHG CI dilution for bunkers, diesel, and gasoline. You can modify it to suit your needs, and it can be used with any fuels, as long as the fuels are compatible and approved for use with a particular engine.

Note: Refinery Automation Institute, LLC will be discussing the blending method and illustrative examples of it in our upcoming blending courses in Singapore on 31 October to 1 November and in Houston on 14 to 19 November, 2022. 

References:

  1. https://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/data-sets
  2. IBIA’s Future Fuels Working Group www.ibia.net
  3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors- 2021
  4. https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/Well-to-wake-co2-mar2021-2.pdf

 

Photo credit: Refinery Automation Institute
Published: 18 October, 2022

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LNG Bunkering

Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas achieves milestone with first SIMOPS LNG bunkering op

LNG bunker vessel “MT Paolina Cosulich” refuelled LNG dual-fuel container ship “Bangkok Express”, operated by Hapag-Lloyd AG at the port.

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Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas achieves milestone with first SIMOPS LNG bunkering op

Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) on Sunday (16 February) said it successfully conducted its first Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering.

This significant achievement involved the LNG dual-fuel container ship Bangkok Express, operated by Hapag-Lloyd AG, and the LNG bunker vessel MT Paolina Cosulich.

“This milestone underscores PTP's dedication to enhancing our competitive edge in the global market by facilitating clean and efficient maritime operations,” the port said in a social media post.

“We are proud to have partnered with PETCO Trading Labuan Co., Ltd. (PTLCL) and Hapag-Lloyd on this pioneering initiative.”

Manifold Times previously reported the port also achieving its first LNG bunkering operation last year. 

The port completed its first-ever ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation in November last year. 

Manifold Times previously reported the port achieving its first LNG bunkering operation last year. 

Related: Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas achieves milestone with first methanol bunkering op
Related: Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas completes first LNG bunkering operation
Related: Malaysia: Tanjung Pelepas selected to join P41 initiative to achieve green bunkering hub ambition
Related: Port Of Tanjung Pelepas joins G2G decarbonisation scheme between Malaysia and Australia

 

Photo credit: Port of Tanjung Pelepas
Published: 18 February, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

Kunlun Energy wraps up first STS offshore LNG bunkering operation in Hong Kong

Kunlun Energy, a red-chip controlled by PetroChina, said its bunkering vessel refuelled container ship “Zim Haifa Blue Stone” with 2,200 metric tonnes of LNG bunker fuel in a seven-hour operation.

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Kunlun Energy wraps up first STS offshore LNG bunkering op in Hong Kong

Kunlun Energy, a red-chip controlled by PetroChina, on Monday (17 February) said it completed Hong Kong’s first ship-to-ship (STS) offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation on 14 February. 

Kunlun Energy's 8,300 m3 capacity LNG bunkering vessel refuelled the container ship Zim Haifa Blue Stone with 2,200 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG in a seven-hour operation. 

The bunkering vessel involved in the operation is operated by a Kunlun Energy subsidiary. 

According to a PetroChina official, the receiving vessel Zim Haifa Blue Stone departed from Busan, South Korea, on 3 February and passed through Qingdao, Shanghai, and Ningbo before arriving in Hong Kong on 12 February. 

Its final destination is Istanbul, Turkey. This refuelling operation can meet the ship's fuel needs for the entire journey. 

“The successful implementation of this "ship-to-ship" offshore LNG bunkering operation is another example of Kunlun Energy's efforts to help improve the international shipping hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” Kunlun Energy said. 

“It is expected to attract more green-fuel vessels to pass through Hong Kong, encourage more environmentally friendly companies to conduct business in Hong Kong, accelerate transformation and technological innovation in the shipping industry, and promote the construction of Hong Kong as a green and smart port.”

“This operation holds significant importance for Hong Kong's push toward a green and sustainable shipping industry.”

 

Photo credit: Kunlun Energy
Published: 18 February, 2025

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Biofuel

Wallenius Wilhelmsen successfully completes its first biofuel bunkering trial in Japan

“M/V Tamesis” bunkered 400 metric tonnes of B24 VLSFO blended biofuel, supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy at Port of Yokohama.

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Wallenius Wilhelmsen successfully completes its first biofuel bunkering trial in Japan

Wallenius Wilhelmsen on Monday (17 February) said it has successfully completed its first biofuel bunkering trial at the Port of Yokohama in Japan.

M/V Tamesis bunkered 400 metric tonnes (mt) of B24 VLSFO blended biofuel, supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy. 

This milestone is part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability in shipping.

“As part of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have expanded our locations for biofuel supply. Since 2023, the expansion has included key ports in Belgium, Korea and Singapore,” the company said.

“Expanding to Japan enhances our ability to operate more efficiently and sustainably across our global network.”

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set ambitious emission reduction targets to reach net-zero by 2040. This includes a 40% absolute reduction of well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to our 2022 baseline, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Yasuyuki Sakurai, Senior Manager, the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, said: “Achieving these targets require a major shift in energy sources from conventional fuels to low and zero-carbon alternatives. Expanding supply locations and securing sufficient biofuels remain a priority, and we are pleased to have conducted our first B24 VLSFO blended biofuel bunkering trial in Yokohama.”

“While our Reduced Carbon Service customers fully support our mass-balance concept, ensuring sufficient biofuel usage across our entire fleet and trade lanes is key to achieving our long-term sustainability goals.”

Mitsuo Ueda, General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Energy, said: “In anticipation of growing demand for biofuel in the marine sector, we have begun storing biofuel at our oil terminal in Onahama (Fukushima Prefecture) and supplying B24 in Tokyo Bay using our barges.:

“We deeply admire Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s leadership in the decarbonisation of the shipping industry and remain committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future. We will continue striving to meet industry needs through a stable supply of biofuels and contribute to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society.”

This milestone was achieved through close collaboration between Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Energy Sourcing team and the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce, which has worked for the past two years to establish biofuel bunkering capabilities in Japan.

 

Photo credit: Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Published: 18 February, 2025

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