Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) announced that it will collaborate with Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) to begin the research and development of biofuel. The two parties will use a test engine as one of solutions to achieve decarbonization. This test engine is located in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Research & Innovation Center and various fuel tests can be performed.
Danish ferry operator DFDS is investing in the start-up company MASH Energy ApS that produces biofuel from agricultural waste, in order to develop a commercially viable alternative to fossil fuels, including testing on a DFDS ferry.
ExxonMobil took a Delayed Coker Unit into operation at its refinery in Antwerp at the start of April. The unit converts heavy, high-sulphur oil products into cleaner transport fuel like diesel and fuel oil for shipping. The new plant represents an investment of over 1 billion euros. The DCU has been created ahead of the new shipping regulations, which will come into force on 1 January 2020.
According to EIA, primary energy consumption in the US reached a record high of 101.3 quadrillion British thermal units in 2018, an increase of 4% from 2017 and 0.3% more than the previous record set in 2007. The increase in 2018 was the largest increase in energy consumption, in both absolute and percentage terms, since 2010.
The Port of Oslo plans to build one of the world’s most environmental efficient working boats. The boat will be specially designed for efficient collection of waste at the water surface. Expected to be delivered in December 2019, the boat will be built by Grovfjord Ship Yard. The contract amounts at NOK 23 million.
Shell, on April 2, became the first major oil and gas company to leave the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers. The company said that it made this decision because of disagreement on climate policies, reiterating its support for the Paris Agreement. Shell will leave the body in 2020. Shell also found disagreements with nine other trade associations.
During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Mr. Paul Flaherty, Director, Fleet & Technical Operations, Navigator Gas, gave emphasis on ethane as a marine fuel. Mr. Flaherty also presented the case of Navigator Aurora, which was the first conversion of LNG-I engine to an ethane burning GI-E engine.
At the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Mr. Panos Zachariadis, Technical Director, Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management Ltd, provides an overview of alternative fuels such as natural gas, methane and hydrogen. He presents the pros and cons of each fuel, but highlights that new technology is necessary to make IMO’s goals reality.
IKEA Transport & Logistics Services, CMA CGM, the GoodShipping Program and the Port of Rotterdam announced the successful refuelling of the CMA CGM White Shark with sustainable marine bio-fuel oil. On March 23, CMA CGM announced that the refuelling trial was successful.
As part of its efforts to tackle climate change, Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it will join forces with members of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition (DSGC) to take a tangible step towards decarbonization of ocean shipping.
