ExxonMobil has conducted a successful sea trial using the company’s first marine bio fuel oil with shipping company Stena Bulk, bunkered in the port of Rotterdam.
The marine bio fuel oil is a 0.50% sulphur residual-based fuel (VLSFO) processed with a second generation waste-based FAME component (ISCC certified). The product will be available later this year, at first in Rotterdam before a wider launch across the ExxonMobil port network.
The sea trial was part of ExxonMobil’s assessment and trial protocol to showcase that there were no adverse equipment effects when operating with higher levels of bio components.
What is more, it was completed while the ship was in commercial operation and included evaluation of onboard storage, handling, treatment, and the fuel was consumed in engines and other machinery on-board.
In addition, the sea trial showed that the marine bio fuel oil, which can provide a CO2 emission reduction of up to approximately 40% in comparison to conventional marine fuel, can be used in a relevant marine application without modification.
These efforts also support the IMO’s ambition to reduce total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050.
With new marine fuels coming to market recently, the need for quality fuels that are both reliable and ISO compliant has never been greater. ExxonMobil’s new marine bio fuel oil meets that growing need as it has been extensively tested, is sulphur compliant and can make a significant contribution in helping operators reduce their CO2 emissions
stated Cowan Lee, Marine Fuels Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil.
Furthemore, Erik Hånell, President and CEO Stena Bulk added that biofuels have an important role to play in accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in shipping.
Finally, commenting on the marine bio fuel, John Larese, Marine Fuels Technical Advisor at ExxonMobil, highlighted that as a residual fuel, it can be dropped-in without the need for expensive modification and can help provide ship operators immediate CO2 savings compared to full hydrocarbon fuel.
