Successful decarbonization testing with the use of a biofuel blend derived from renewable raw materials to power a product tanker

In particular, the seven partners specified that the test results showed that biofuel mixtures B30 are a practical solution, in accordance with the Regulation European on the use of renewable fuels with a low content of carbon in maritime transport (FUEL EU) that will come into force from the first of January 2025. In addition, tests have shown that, at condition that the production of raw materials globally can meet the demand, the addition of the mixture of biofuel as a "drop in" to marine fuels traditional is a valid measure to reduce emissions on the existing tonnage.

d'Amico, ABS, LR FOBAS, MAN Energy Solutions, RINA, Register Liberian and Trafigura explained that the tests conducted between the 19th June and 6 July on board the product tanker LR1 Rotterdam sky with the use of the mixture of B30 biofuel supplied by TFG Marine, the joint venture of Trafigura for the supply and supply of fuel maritime in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, have given the following results: a 4.3% reduction in emissions of CO2 per tonne of fuel and a consequent CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator, gCO2/tonnes deadweight capacity-miles) of 3.99, a 3.5% improvement over usage fossil fuels with very low sulfur content allowing the top energy rating "A" of ships up to to 2026; confirmation by the flag administration, and from the class that the use of biofuel mixture B30 does not affects Tier II certification of engines for compliance Nox. Both the main engines and the diesel generators were tested to verify their compliance with the NOx emissions using the calculated data permitted by the Code Nox technician; an effective reduction in CO2 emissions of 25.3% per tonne of fuel, applying the methodology Defra. This methodology was used in anticipation approval of the well-to-wheel framework (WTW) of the International Maritime Organization and waiting for clarifications guidance from the IMO on which methodology will be applied.

The d'Amico group has announced that, as a result of these results and in advance of the entry into force of the new legislation, has proceeded to certify through the administration flag all its LR1 ships so that they can operate permanently with the biofuel mixture B30. The group it also intends to certify the entire fleet and, during 2022, wants to test the B40 and B50 biofuels by adopting the same methodology. "Biofuel blends - he said Salvatore d'Amico, fleet director of the d'Amico group - I am a of the decarbonization strategies that d'Amico is exploring for the existing tonnage. While continuing to monitor closely the development of future alternative fuels and new technologies for propulsion and to invest in innovative digital solutions, we believe that the use of the biofuel mixture can accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport with a immediate effect on existing tonnage'.