Starting this year, NYK Line will embark on a full-scale, long-term biofuel trial. It hopes to verify the impact of the fuel on a ship’s components, procurement viability, and storage potential.
Having previously trialled biofuels on a short-term basis, the carrier now plans to verify the safety and stable procurement of these fuels when used over a long period. Through this trial, NYK will establish a safe navigation system using biofuels and promote biofuel development to achieve the group’s goal of a 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by fiscal 2030 compared to fiscal 2021.
In this trial, multiple vessel types will run exclusively on biofuels for a three-month period. After that, NYK will gradually extend biofuel use for a longer period for further validation.
Since 2019, NYK has conducted short-term biofuel trials on roughly 10 vessels. While it has confirmed the safety of short-term use, NYK has not verified the impact of biofuels on the ship’s main engine, generator, motor, fuel supply system, etc, and the quality of biofuels after a certain storage period. The carrier said that it also needs to ensure the stability of biofuel procurement when used in more vessels.
