K Line joins with charterers to trial biofuels

With a goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030, Japan’s K Line has been testing various types of biofuels in its fleet to expand its experience

In the latest trial, independent fuel supplier Peninsula arranged the delivery of 700 tonnes of UCOME-based B24 marine biofuel for K Line’s bulk carrier Cape Amal.

The supply was arranged through Chimbusco Pan Nation on 11 August in Hong Kong. This biofuel trial is being conducted in co-operation with vessel charterer JFE Steel.

UCOME is made from used cooking oil blended with methyl ester.

In a previous trial in February, K Line used B24 marine biofuel based on fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) blended with very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). The B24 biofuel was supplied by BP for the capesize bulk carrier Cape Tsubaki at the Port of Singapore on 26 November 2022.

In December 2022, after loading iron ore at Ponta da Madeira, Cape Tsubaki began operating on the B24 biofuel while navigating to the discharging port in Kawasaki. In this trial, biofuel had been stored for two months in a tank, and the biofuel was used for the long voyage after storage without any large problems, according to K Line The FAME component of the marine biofuel blend used in this trial enabled a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of about 80-90% in the well-to-wake (from fuel generation to consumption) process without changing current engine specifications.

While FAME biofuels can have positive impacts on reducing GHG emissions, there are also several commercial and operational considerations. Engine designer Wärtsilä points out that water content and microbial growth in biodiesel can be more challenging than with fossil diesel. FAME can lead to increased microbial growth that can contaminate the fuel. Its long-term storage potential may also be limited by oxidation. Additionally, compared with fossil diesel, FAME biodiesel has lower energy content, meaning it requires more fuel to be burned, can produce more NOx emissions and is more expensive. FAME also needs to be stored in dedicated tanks that have been thoroughly cleaned before bunkering the biofuel. FAME is a powerful solvent, meaning it will loosen any deposits or sludge inside the tanks, potentially clogging an engine’s fuel filters and fuel separator.

On the other hand, as a drop-in alternative fuel, biofuels are attractive, particularly with interim guidance on their use approved at MEPC 80 under regulations 26, 27 and 28 of Marpol Annex VI (Data Collection System and Carbon Intensity Indicator).

K Line has ambitions to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and hit net-zero by 2050 under its Environmental Vision 2050, Blue Seas of the Future plan. Under the plan, the Japanese owner plans to introduce zero-emissions fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, carbon-neutral fuels bioLNG and synthetic fuels.

It has also struck separate agreements with major charterers Anglo American and JSW Steel to collaborate on researching decarbonisation strategies regarding the use of alternative fuels and technologies in the bulk trades.

Peninsula will operate the LNG bunker ship Levante LNG in Gibraltar and the western Mediterranean in H2 2023 (source: Peninsula)

Peninsula will operate the LNG bunker ship Levante LNG in Gibraltar and the western Mediterranean in H2 2023 (source: Peninsula)

Meanwhile, continuing its investment in providing low-carbon solutions, Peninsula reported it will take delivery of the 12,500-m3 LNG bunker vessel Levante LNG. Built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, the LNG bunker vessel will be operated by Peninsula for at least seven years in the Strait of Gibraltar and at Spanish Mediterranean ports. The vessel was constructed by Peninsula and Enagas subsidiary Scale Gas under a joint venture and backed by an EU grant of €11M (US$12M). Operations should begin H2 2023.