Nippon Yuka Kogyo (Nippon Yuka), an NYK Group company specialising in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, on Wednesday (21 May) announced the upcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel, from 10 August.

NYK said compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidised, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.

Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel. When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel. 

This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 22 May, 2025

Dealfeng, a Chinese provider of wind-assisted propulsion systems, on Tuesday (20 May) said it has assigned a cooperation agreement with Singapore-based shipowner Hung Ze Shipping.

The partnership will equip a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng® Rotor Sails. 

Each vessel will feature a 5m x 24m Dealfeng Rotor Sail installed on its forecastle deck. Collaborating with maritime software leader NAPA, the project will utilise route optimisation systems to maximise the efficiency of wind-assisted voyages, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reduction while improving overall energy performance.

“The first vessel in the series is scheduled for delivery with the rotor sail system in the fourth quarter of 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate that the technology will achieve approximately 8% fuel savings on the vessel’s trading routes,” the company said in a social media post. 

The project marked Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Dealfeng, a clean energy technology company specialising in the R&D, manufacturing, and EPC services of shipborne energy-saving systems, has long focused on developing Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its core product, the Rotor Sail, harnesses wind energy via the Magnus effect to provide auxiliary propulsion for vessels. 

Tailored to different ship types, the system offers fuel and carbon emission reductions of 5%–25%, with even greater efficiency under favorable wind conditions. Dealfeng’s Rotor Sail technology has obtained certifications from multiple classification societies and has been successfully deployed across numerous vessels, accumulating years of operational experience that validate its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.

Hung Ze operates a diverse fleet ranging from 5,000 DWT vessels to MR product tankers. 

Photo credit: Dealfeng
Published: 22 May, 2025

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe. 

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil. 

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.

Related: Höegh Autoliners names LNG-powered RoRo ship “Höegh Sunlight” in China|
Related: Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 22 May, 2025