Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Euglena Co. and MOL Ferry Co. announced the completion of a sea trial of the MOL Ferry-owned/operated ferry Sunflower Shiretoko using renewable diesel fuel marketed by Euglena.
As informed, the renewable diesel fuel used for the sea trial is made from biomass, and can be used without changing the specifications of conventional diesel-powered marine engines. This first sea trial took place in the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture.
It was announced that the fuel is in compliance with the SOx regulations because, unlike the heavy fuel oil in general use today, it contains no sulfur, a major component of air pollution from internal combustion engines.
What is more, this biofuel emits CO2 at the combustion stage, but the biomass feedstock absorbs CO2 by photosynthesis in the growth process, so it is expected to achieve a carbon neutral state—essentially net zero CO2 emissions when it is used.
According to partners, the MOL Group set a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1″ which laid out the group’s approach to global environmental issues.
