ExxonMobil’s biofuel sea trial shows 40% reduction in CO2 emissions

The marine biofuel is a 0.5% sulphur residual-based fuel or very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) processed with a second generation waste-based FAME component.

ExxonMobil said the marine biofuel will be available later this year in Rotterdam, before a wider launch across the oil major’s port network.

The 40% less CO2 emissions can help operators meet their carbon emissions reduction targets and support the IMO’s ambition to reduce total annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by 2050.

“As operators face increasingly stringent regulations and significant pressure from customers to demonstrate their commitment to reducing GHG emissions, this is an important next step in providing the lower-emissions fuels that operators want and need,” said Cowan Lee, marine fuels marketing manager at ExxonMobil.

The Stena Bulk sea trial was carried out while the vessel was in commercial operation. The trial included evaluation of onboard storage, handling, and treatment and the fuel was consumed in engines and other machinery onboard.

“We believe biofuels have an important role to play in accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in shipping”, said Erik Hanell, president and ceo of Stena Bulk.

“The development of ExxonMobil’s biofuel is an important step towards a broader commercial use of low-carbon fuels and we were happy to be part of the sea trial, which proved to be very successful. The fuel performed very well and fitted seamlessly into our technical and commercial operation without the need for engine modifications or additional procedures, while contributing to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions,” Hanell added.

Related:Stena Bulk offers biofuel as low-carbon shipping option

John Larese, marine fuels technical advisor at ExxonMobil, pointed out that the marine biofuel, with its residual fuel quality, can be “dropped-in” without the need for expansion modification and can provide operators immediate CO2 savings compared to full hydrocarbon fuel.