Transport company StraitNZ and bp Marine have been engaged into a long-term supply agreement that covers the delivery of marine biofuels in the port of Wellington.
According to the company, bp Marine’s new Wellington offer will comprise the supply of marine fuels by barge, including the region’s first bio-VLSFO, to its customers from early 2024. StraitNZ’s network includes Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries that connects the north and south islands between Wellington and Picton with 50 freight and passenger voyages a week.
The fuel will include a 24% Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME) biofuel blended with very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). The UCOME component is certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification System (ISCC), an internationally recognised certification scheme for bio-based materials.
This blend of biofuel is estimated to help reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions associated with the fuel by up to 20% compared to standard marine fuel oil equivalents, according to bp.
This is the first of its kind for the Port of Wellington. Biofuels have a vital role in decarbonising transport, including in the marine sector.
… said said global head of bp Marine, Eddie Gauci
