GCMD reports first B24 bunkering as part of Project LOTUS

Bunkering of B24 biofuel blend, comprising of 24% Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and 76% very low sulphur fuel oil, on NYK’s short-sea vehicle carrier follows the launch of Project LOTUS in May 2024.

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) said Project LOTUS is a six-month long project to trial the continuous use of biofuels to study its impact on engine performance and onboard systems operations.

This six-month project will trial the continuous use of a biofuels blend, comprising 24% FAME and 76% VLSFO, onboard a short-sea vehicle carrier that will call at multiple ports.

The pilot will involve monitoring and analysing impact on quality of the biofuel blend that will be systematically tracked and monitored throughout the supply chain, from bunkering to onboard consumption under operating conditions.

Physical inspection of the fuel delivery system and purifiers will be conducted to monitor for potential seal leakages, corrosion, clogging etc.

It also involves working with engine OEMs, detailed inspections will be conducted on engine components before and after switching to biofuels along with a lubricating oil analysis to assess its efficacy in protecting the engine’s moving parts from wear and tear.

The use of a vessel plying short-sea routes will allow regular access to fuels stored onboard for sampling and testing during frequent port calls.

FAME, a readily available biofuel derived from second-generation feedstocks, like used cooking oil and palm oil mill effluent, presents a promising fuel alternative for immediate GHG emissions reduction in the shipping industry.