Ocean-going vessel bunkered from biofuel in Singapore for first time

London, (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) – An ocean-going vessel was bunkered this month from marine biofuel in Singapore for the first time in a trial carried out by the resources company BHP, the shipping company Oldendorff Carriers and the biofuels producer Goodfuels.

The companies said in a joint statement Thursday that the 2020-built 81,290-deadweight tonne dry bulk carrier Kira Oldendorff was refuelled with "drop-in" advanced biofuel blended with conventional fossil fuels.

The trial will help to understand the real-life emissions of the blended fuel, as well as the impact on the engine and operational performance of the vessel.

"The trial will enable us to develop an informed strategy on the structural supply and use of biofuels to support BHP's key shipping routes," said the statement.

The biofuel element of the fuel reduces carbon emissions by between 80% and 90% from well-to-exhaust compared with VLSFO, said Goodfuels.

"We strive hard to work with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders along the value chain to influence emissions reductions across the full life cycle of our products and we fully support moves to decarbonise the maritime industry," added BHP's Vice President of Maritime, Rashpal Bhatti.

BHP, one of the world's bigest miners of coal and metals, is under pressure from investors to show it has a plan to cut emissions.

The company announced in 2019 a five-year $400-million plan to cut emissions.