MOL containership conducts biofuel trials

Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) have successfully completed the initial trials of a new type of sustainable biofuel on one of MOL’s container vessels.

The bunkering on MOL Experience was carried out at the Port of Rotterdam in November 2020 while the trials were performed earlier this month.

Developed by Netherlands-based GoodFuels, the biofuel is made from waste oils such as used cooking oil. It was blended with conventional fossil fuels to enable MOL Experience to make Atlantic crossings between the US and Europe.

The biofuel is free of SOx and delivers 80 to 90 per cent “well-to-exhaust” CO2 reduction versus fossil fuel equivalents. It is also functionally equivalent to petroleum-derived marine fuels, and no modification is required to the engine or the fuel infrastructure.

ONE said the success of the trial proves the viability of sustainable biofuels in helping the company meet its carbon reduction targets in 2030 and 2050, respectively.