German container shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd announced that one of its ships recently refueled in Rotterdam with a new, eco-friendly biofuel, as part of the company’s plan to reduce CO2 emissions generated by its operating ships.
For the first time, Hapag-Lloyd is using the so-called “B20” fuel for its container ship ‘Montreal Express’.
The B20 consists of 80% low-sulphur fuel oil and 20% biodiesel based on cooking oils and fats that had previously been used in the food service/catering industry.
As such, the biodiesel generates up to 90% less CO2 emissions than conventional fuels.
The move forms part of the company’s ambitious climate-protection goals.
By the end of this year, we want to have reduced our specific CO2 emissions by 50% compared to the reference year 2008. Biofuels like ‘B20’ can help us reach this target. This is because, in addition to having a low sulphur content, the fuel also emits less climate-damaging CO2 during combustion,
…explains Jörg Erdmann, Senior Director Sustainability Management.
Hapag-Lloyd intends to use the test run with the “Montreal Express”, which operates between Europe and Canada, to gain experience on the properties of the fuel in real-world use.
We are checking to see whether the share of biodiesel has any adverse effects on the equipment and the fuel processing on board the vessel. If the test is successful, more ships from Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet could operate using the ‘B20’ fuel in future,
…adds Jan Christensen, Senior Director Purchasing & Supply at Hapag-Lloyd.
