HMM aims for 5 – 10% biofuel usage annually

HMM has conducted another biofuels trial on the 6,400 teu vessel HMM Tacoma bunkering sustainable biofuel in Busan for a voyage on the company’s Far East, India and Latin America service.

The fuel from GS Caltex is 30% biofuel blend derived from cooking oil and 70% high sulphur fuel oil. The biofuel blend reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 24% compared to conventional fuel oil.

HMM said it plans to increase its use of biofuel to 5 – 10% of its annual fuel consumption despite higher cost. Last April it signed an MoU with GS Caltex for the procurement of biofuels.

Biofuels are just part of HMM plans to reduce its carbon footprint. “We continue to find a way to go green, making meaningful progress toward a carbon-free future. To this end, we will seek to enhance our environmental competence and thereby be positioned as a top-rated carrier in responding to climate issues,” an HMM official said.

The Korean shipping company has nine 9,000 teu methanol dual fuel containerships on order. Methanol is fast becoming the green fuel of choice for container lines and 14 September saw the official naming of the world’s first methanol fuelled boxship the 2,100 teu Laura Maersk, owned and operated by AP Moller – Maersk.

HMM is also preparing for an onboard carbon capture and storage trial to reduce emissions from existing vessels in its fleet.

Related:Carbon capture and storage interest grows, HMM to install system on boxship