Cargill aims to boost using biofuel, methanol to cut emissions

Cargill Inc seeks to boost its use of biofuels in a bunkering trial and plans to order methanol-fuelled ships as part of its plans to cut emissions.

One of the world’s biggest ship charterers, Cargill has been testing the operational performance of biofuels in its vessels since the start of the year as it steps up efforts to go green.

The trial aims to boost vessels’ use of biofuels to 50,000 tonnes by mid- or end-2023, up from 12,000 tonnes since January, the firm’s marine fuels lead, Olivier Josse, said at a conference in Singapore

The move to blend FAME in Singapore aims to try to understand the demand and appetite of customers for biofuels as a bunkering fuel, Josse added at the event, the Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2022.

Cargill is also testing and piloting the use of methanol as shipping fuel, he said.

Global shipping accounts for nearly 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions, since about 90% of world trade is transported by sea.

By 2050, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to halve the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 levels. This target will require rapid development of zero- or low-emission fuels and new designs for ships.

Last year, Cargill said it had cut nearly 1.5 million tonnes of gross carbon emissions from its fleet since 2017.

It has also been working with technology partners to fit sails on some vessels, which will cut carbon emissions by up to 30% by harnessing wind power.