ORIENT Overseas Container Line has completed a biofuel trial on its AAA1 service, which runs between South East Asia and the east coast of Australia.
The 4578-TEU OOCL Yokohama was fuelled with 1999.3 tonnes of B22 marine biofuel at Singapore on 24 June.
The 41-day trial voyage began on 26 June and ended 5 August.
The biofuel, supplied by Chevron Singapore, was blended with ISCC-certified used cooking oil methyl ester as a 22% component in the VLSFO.
This biofuel can be used on vessels without changing engine specifications and, according to OOCL, is expected to decrease approximately 15% to 20% of exhausted carbon dioxide based on lifecycle analysis.
OOCL chief operating officer Kenny Ye said the company was pleased with the positive results of the trial.
“Biofuels are considered to be one of the most credible options to enable the shipping industry both to meet future regulatory requirements, and to advance further with the transition towards decarbonization,” he said.
“The success of this trial provides OOCL with certainty as to the feasibility of using sustainable biofuels on its ships, which gives us increased clarity over the next steps in our decarbonisation journey.”
Chevron Product Supply and Trading Asia Pacific vice-president Frankie Lee said his company was also pleased with the success of the biofuel trial.
“Chevron is committed to partnering with key shipowner customers to provide lower carbon solutions including biofuels. As partners with the Global Center for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), we will play an active role in developing the biofuels landscape in Singapore,” he said.
