PIL in biofuels trial

PIL conducting test using a blend of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) onboard the 3,500 teu vessel Kota Megah. FAME is largely produced from recycled cooking oils and renewable oil sources.

The Kota Megah arrived in Singapore on Sunday as part of the company’s China Pakistan service.

Lars Kastrup, Co-President and Executive Director, PIL, said, “This marine biofuel trial is another important step for us in our journey towards reducing carbon emissions across our fleet. While we have identified LNG, which reduces carbon emissions by around 20%, as the most immediate and pragmatic transitional fuel option for the ships which we recently ordered, we are also looking at similar practical solutions for our existing ships.

“We will continue to play our part in exploring and investing in the variety of decarbonisation solutions and technologies,” he added.

Last month PIL ordered four 14,000 teu, LNG dual-fuel newbuildings with Jiangnan Shipyard, China. The vessels will also be ammonia-ready.

CMA CGM, HMM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, and Ocean Network Express (ONE) are among other container lines that have trailed biofuels.