The Netherlands-headed independent shipping major Spliethoff Group has disclosed that it has begun trials using biofuels on its vessels as part of its ambition to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Spliethoff Group operates and manages a diverse fleet of over 100 vessels ranging from multipurpose cargo vessels, dry bulk vessels, heavy lift vessels, and RoRo vessels.
The first trial took place between June and November in 2021 on Group member BigLift Shipping’s HTV BigLift Baffin vessel. The vessel was supplied with a blend of 50 percent fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)-based biofuel – a second-generation biofuel, made from waste streams – and 50 percent conventional heavy fuel oil (HFO).
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 before being used.
Since the results of this trial were positive on both points, the next step was to test the use of 100 percent biofuel. This step started in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on December 13, 2021, when Spliethoff’s MPP vessel Flevogracht was bunkered with 100 percent FAME-based biofuel.
Both trials were executed in cooperation with GoodFuels – a Netherlands-based global pioneer in sustainable marine fuels.
Once these tests have been completed successfully, Spliethoff Group will be able to offer clients the option to use biofuels for certain trades and projects which inherently gives the possibility of emission reduction in logistics.
