Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (‘K’ Line) has conducted a trial using B24 marine biofuel comprising 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) blended with VLSFO, which was supplied by bp to the Capesize bulker Cape Tsubaki with the cooperation of the charterer, JFE Steel Corporation.
This is third successful trial use of marine biofuel by a ‘K’ Line vessel, conducted to accumulate expertise on the operation and use of biofuels. The vessel was supplied with the biofuel in Singapore in November 2022. In December 2022, after completing the loading of Iron Ore at Ponta da Madeira, the vessel started consuming the biofuel while navigating to the discharging port in Kawasaki. In this trial, biofuel had been stored for two months in a tank, and the biofuel was used for the long voyage after storage without any large problems.
The FAME component of the marine biofuel blend used in this trial enabled a GHG emissions reduction of about 80-90% in the well-to-wake (from fuel generation to consumption) process without changing current engine specifications. In addition to this trial, âKâ Line has conducted a similar trial of marine biofuel for a Supramax bulker carrying hot-rolled steel coils with JFE Steel Corporation.
