Nippon Yuka, an NYK Group company specialising in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, has announced the forthcoming release of BioxiGuard, said to be Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel fuel.
The new product is planned to be commercially available from August 2025. Biofuel is gathering increased attention in the maritime sector due to its production from a diverse range of raw materials, including grains and used cooking oil. This supports the transition toward low-carbon and decarbonised vessel operations. However, compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidised, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.
Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel. When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.
According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel. This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.
In addition to offering antioxidant functions, Nippon Yuka is committed to further product development aimed at resolving broader challenges associated with biofuel use.
Image: BioxiGuard oxidation stability test (source: NYK)
