In a world-first for the marine industry, Unifeeder-operated vessel ‘ElbBlue’ was fueled with liquefied SNG for a trial voyage.
The liquefied SNG, produced at Kiwi’s Power-to-Gas facility in Werlte, Germany is a synthetic form of LNG that is carbon-neutral and generated from 100% renewable energy.
With a blend of 20 tons SNG and 20 tons conventional LNG, the ‘ElbBlue’ is expected to save approximately 56 tons of carbon output on its coming voyage to St. Petersburg, as opposed to operating on 100% LNG.
If the trial is successful, it is hoped that renewable SNG and dual-fuel engines can be used to reduce the shipping industry’s carbon output.
Jesper Kristensen, CEO Unifeeder and COO DP World Marine Services, said:
A successful trial voyage will complement our environmental initiatives across Europe, such as our investment in more efficient rail and barge inland services, as well as our ongoing sustainability ambitions at our terminals across Europe.
Stefan Eefting, Senior Vice President and Head of MAN PrimeServ, Augsburg, also said that this is a crucial step on the road to decarbonizing shipping.
In reducing or even eliminating future emissions generated by the global supply chain, synthetic fuels and engine retrofits have a crucial role to play. While a retrofit instantly reduces a ship’s emission levels, synthetic fuels like SNG can enable it to run 100% climate-neutrally
Unifeeder, MAN Energy Solutions, and vessel owner Elbdeich Reederei have partnered on the trial over the last two years, with all firms involved aiming to further advance carbon reduction efforts in the maritime shipping sector.
