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Alternative Fuels

Rolls-Royce discusses adoption of HVO, methanol alternative bunker fuels for coastal passenger transport segment

Different sectors in the marine industry – deep sea shipping, coastal passenger shipping, yachts and naval – will develop differently when using alternative and climate-friendly fuels, spokesman tells Manifold Times.

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A Rolls-Royce spokesperson for the mtu brand, a power solutions provider for power passenger ships, ferries and yachts, recently offered Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times its perspective on the adoption of ammonia, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and methanol as marine fuels for the shipping sector.

Ammonia is amongst future bunker fuels being considered, but it seems is there is no operating ammonia-fuelled marine engine yet. Why is it so?

We are watching closely where the use of alternative fuels is going. In Rolls-Royce Power Systems' markets, it does not currently look like ammonia is going to become a big thing. For operators and owners of vessels that are often used for coastal passenger transport, we see the trend moving towards HVO and methanol, which are easier to handle.

The high toxicity of ammonia is a big threat especially on board of vessels with limited space and limited escape routes. But on the other hand ammonia may offer CO2 free propulsion with a comparably low cost fuel. This makes it attractive enough to be observed.

What is Roll-Royce's forecast of the future marine fuels mix leading towards IMO 2030 and IMO 2050?

From today's perspective, the different sectors in the marine industry – deep sea shipping, coastal passenger shipping, yachts and naval - will develop differently when using alternative and climate-friendly fuels.

For large-scale shipping - container ships, for example - ammonia is emerging as an alternative fuel as well as for come cases laughing gas. However, this is not the market in which Rolls-Royce's business unit Power Systems operates with its mtu brand.

For our mtu marine engines, which often power passenger ships, ferries or yachts, the trend is moving towards two other alternative fuels that are technically easier to handle than ammonia and that enjoy greater acceptance in the passenger shipping industry:

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a second-generation plant-based fuel made from waste materials e.g. from the food industry, has the potential to replace partly fossil diesel. Most mtu engines are already approved for it. HVO is already available today and will soon be available in larger volumes as demand for it increases. With HVO, a CO2 reduction of up to 90 percent can be achieved on balance. This is because during combustion, the CO2 that the plants absorbed during photosynthesis from the air is released into the atmosphere. Some yacht manufacturers already deliver their new yachts with HVO in the tanks.

Methanol can be produced in a climate-friendly way with electrical energy from renewable sources and CO2 which was captured from a sustainable source. On balance, Methanol is virtually climate-neutral. It is easy to store and handle on the ship and the necessary ship infrastructure can be realised at reasonable expense. mtu methanol engines for marine use are currently under development. The most important thing here is that sufficient green methanol is available in the foreseeable future.

In principle, it is not only technical feasibility, supply and demand that govern the market, but regulatory framework conditions such as laws and ordinances as well as government support for the use of such fuels and their production can have a decisive influence. Powertrain manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce must recognise the trends in their markets and provide appropriate technical solutions. They have comparatively little influence on the future fuel mix.

Since methanol and ammonia are acidic fuels in nature, what steps/technologies are the engine manufacturer taking to protect their power plants from these new types of fuels?

Of course for every new fuel the compatibility of materials needs to be checked. Depending on the fuel specification components containing fuel like fuel tanks and fuel lines need to be adapted for its fuel. For methanol this is a solvable task, as there is experience in racing and other types of engines. Methanol compatibility with stainless steel is good, but of course coatings are also reasonable options. Depending on the use, other materials and manufacturing processes are used, for example other coatings, seals or lubricants.

More or less the same applies to ammonia. Ammonia is highly toxic, but it is used since decades, therefore there is experience with materials.

 

Photo credit: Rolls-Royce
Published: 31 July, 2023

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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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