Swire Shipping has successfully completed a sustainable B24 biofuel trial on its Sun Chief Express Ocean service.
Suva Chief, a 2,750 teu vessel on the Sun Chief Express Ocean service, was bunkered in Hong Kong with B24 biofuel, a blend of sustainable biodiesel and conventional fuels. The use of this fuel is projected to reduce well-to-wake by an estimated 15 percent.
The trial was conducted in partnership with Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-chemical (CPN) and Swire Shipping’s bunkering partner, the Hafnia Bunker Alliance. The Sun Chief Express Ocean service connects Vietnam to the USA.
Namir Khanbabi, general manager at multipurpose carrier Swire Projects, spoke with HLPFI for our May/June 2024 edition, noting that its parent company was progressing with its research into biofuels. “However, the bunkering and availability of these fuels are not as common as one would expect,” and that, “there are limited ports that offer blending and bunkering of biofuels and the premiums for the adoption are significant when not looked at in conjunction with environmental regulations.” All viable options were continuing to be explored.
