Biofuel powers first carbon neutral LDC juice shipmentBiofuel powers first carbon neutral LDC juice shipment

MV Essayra travelled from Ghent to Santos as tests were carried out inb collaboration with Wisby Tanker AB to monitor the impacts of a B30 biofuel blend on performance and machinery. LDC said the results showed B30 to be a practical substitute to standard VLSFO, cutting voyage greenhouse gas emissions by 24%, the equivalent of 723 tons of CO2.

The remainder of emissions for the voyage were offset with carbon credits, the company said, linked to a forest protection scheme in Zimbabwe.

The ship was loaded with a full cargo of not-from-concentrate and frozen concentrated orange juices for the 55-day voyage.

“As part of LDC’s journey to help shape a net-zero economy, we are committed to contributing to shipping industry decarbonization through a range of actions and initiatives - including to explore alternative fuel solutions,” said Sébastien Landerretche, LDC’s Global Head of Freight.

“Result of the coordination between LDC’s Carbon Solutions, Freight and Juice platforms, as well as Wisby Tanker, this successful first trial reflects LDC’s ambition and know-how in the field, and our collaborative approach to tackling the industry’s energy transition.”

LDC said it was also exploring wind assisted propulsion, solar, batteries and air lubrication in its bid to cut carbon emissions from its shipping activities.

Related:Euronav sells four VLCCs, buys two