GCMD completes biofuel supply chain trials with Hapag-Lloyd

In Singapore, The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) has completed its final biofuel blend supply chain trial with Hapag-Lloyd with an organic-based tracer supplied by Authentic to ensure the biofuel’s integrity. The tracer was detected at all sampling points, confirming its authenticity.

The trial involved the bunkering of 4,500 MT of B30 marine biofuel blend at the Port of Rotterdam, provided by bp, for the TIHAMA, a 19,870 TEU container vessel. The biofuel component, certified to the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard, comprised Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) from food waste.

Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) oversaw operations and conducted extensive tests, verifying the blend’s quality. The trials demonstrated a 27.9% reduction in emissions when using the B30 blend compared to conventional VLSFO, aligning with the IMO’s decarbonization goals.

GCMD CEO Professor Lynn Loo highlighted the importance of these trials in reducing barriers to biofuel adoption, enhancing trust, and preventing fraud. Hapag-Lloyd’s Director of Sustainability, Arne Maibohm, praised the new tracer technology for verifying biofuel origins, reinforcing the integrity of the supply chain.