Trials using biofuel on Spliethoff Group vessels
Spliethoff Group’s constant striving to reduce its CO2 emissions has led to two trials using biofuel on its vessels.
The first trial took place between June and November last year, on BigLift Shipping’s HTV BigLift Baffin. The vessel was supplied with a blend of 50% FAME based biofuel – a second generation biofuel, made from waste streams – and 50% conventional HFO. This is a ‘drop-in’ biofuel, which means that it does not need any retrofit to the ship’s engine. The objective of this trial was to test if biofuel is suitable for use, as yet in combination with HFO, and to determine whether the biofuel can be stored in a bunker tank for a longer period of time before being used. Risks of using biofuels are, among others, microbial growth in fuel tanks and negative impact on seals, which can cause leakage.
Since the results of this trial were positive on all points, the next step was to test the use of 100% biofuel. This step started in Amsterdam on December 13, when Spliethoff’s MPP vessel Flevogracht bunkered 100% FAME based biofuel. Both tests have resulted in a Tank to Exhaust (TTE) CO2 equivalent emissions reduction of 1673 metric tons. For further reduction details please see the tables below.
Both tests have now been completed successfully which means that the Spliethoff Group is able to offer clients the option to use biofuels for certain trades and projects, which inherently gives the possibility of emission reduction in logistics. We look forward to sailing onwards on the road to sustainability in the years to come. Both trials were executed in good cooperation with GoodFuels – a Netherlands-based global pioneer in sustainable marine fuels.
