Spliethoff group vessels trialling biofuels

Spliethoff Group has announced it is trialling the use of biofuels for its vessels.

The first trial took place between June and November last year on BigLift Shipping’s heavy transport vessel (HTV) BigLift Baffin. The vessel was supplied with a blend of 50 per cent FAME-based biofuel – a second generation biofuel, made from waste streams – and 50% conventional heavy fuel oil (HFO).

‘The objective of this trial was to test if biofuel is suitable for use, as yet in combination with HFO, and to determine whether the biofuel can be stored in a bunker tank for a longer period before being used,’ Spliethoff Group said

Following the ‘positive’ results of the first trial, Spliethoff Group then set out to test the use of 100 per cent biofuel. This step started in Amsterdam on 13 December when Spliethoff’s multi-purpose (MPP) vessel Flevogracht was bunkered with 100 per cent FAME-based biofuel.

‘Once these tests have been completed successfully, Spliethoff Group will be able to offer clients the option to use biofuels for certain trades and projects which inherently gives the possibility of emission reduction in logistics,’ the company said. ‘We look forward to sailing onwards on the road to sustainability in the years to come.’

Both trials were executed in cooperation with Netherlands based sustainable marine fuels company GoodFuels.

Source: https://www.bunkerspot.com/