Rotterdam (NL) | 24-06-2020

Stena Bulk and GoodFuels successfully complete trial of sustainable marine biofuel

2 minutes read

Trial further demonstrates readiness of compliant and affordable biofuel in marine fuel mix.

Leading tanker owner Stena Bulk and GoodFuels, the advanced biofuels pioneer and supplier for the global shipping industry, successfully complete a trial of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)-equivalent Bio-Fuel Oil (BFO) on Stena Immortal.

The 49646 deadweight tonne (dwt) Suezmax tanker received the first delivery of ‘drop in’ BFO during its call at the Port of Rotterdam in April. The fuel, which GoodFuels launched in 2018 after three years of research, virtually eliminates all carbon emissions and substantially reduces SO_X, NO_X and particulate matter.

During the trial, BFO was tested in tanks, storage and as it was burned in the engines, and the fuel was again proven to be a technically compliant alternative to the fossil default for oceangoing tanker vessels.

The success of this trial further underlines sustainable marine biofuel’s position within the marine fuel mix, and helps owners and operators to future-proof against current and impending regulations.

Because it substantially reduces CO₂, SO_X and NO_X, GoodFuels’ BFO ensures compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2020 Sulphur Cap, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction requirements and upcoming regulations to reduce carbon intensity from shipping.

Erik Hånell, President and CEO Stena Bulk, said: “We like to show the industry that we can start reducing the carbon footprint of shipping here and now while maintaining highest quality technical and commercial operations. The Stena Immortal performed very well running on the biofuel while continuing to deliver according to our customers’ needs without any disruption.

“The industry needs pioneers willing to collaborate, share knowledge and push the development towards more sustainable shipping. We’re happy to collaborate with GoodFuels in this test to take on that mission and encourage others to join us. We are of course open and have a willingness to drive and take part of this development together with stakeholders in this industry.”

Commenting on the successful trial, Dirk Kronemeijer, CEO, GoodNRG Group, said: “We are delighted this test with Stena Bulk was a success and want to thank them for joining us in our mission to develop a carbon-busting solution that is scalable, truly sustainable, technically compliant and, crucially, affordable.

“For the past five years, we have focused on realising the widescale use of sustainable marine biofuel, which has enabled us to continue to develop BFO as a true solution to the market’s problems. This announcement marks yet another a crucial move towards offering the shipping industry a credible near-zero carbon alternative to HFO and VLSFO.”

Following the successful trial on Stena Immortal, Stena Bulk and GoodFuels Marine will continue working together to gain more experience and scale the usage of BFO as an alternative to conventional fossil-based fuel.

GoodFuels BFO is sustainably sourced and completely derived from forest residues and waste oil products. The fuel is also verified by an independent sustainability board of leading academics and NGOs in the transport sectors.