HMM has conducted a trial use of a sustainable marine biofuel on its 6,400 TEU containership ‘HMM Tacoma’ which operates in the FIL service connecting Far East, India and Latin America, and was refuelled with biofuel blend during its bunkering at the Port of Busan.
This marine biofuel, supplied by GS Caltex, consists of 30% biodiesel derived from used cooking oil and 70% high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), reducing GHG emissions by 24% compared to conventional fuels. Biofuel has the merit of being compatible with current ship engines without technological modification.
HMM plans to expand the use of biofuel gradually, reaching about 5-10% of annual fuel consumption. Despite the higher cost of biofuel, HMM is committed to investing in the pathway to carbon neutrality, including the introduction of clean alternative energies. The company says it seeks to enhance environmental competence and thereby be positioned as a top-rated carrier in responding to climate issues.
In April 2023 HMM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GS Caltex to secure marine biofuels. Meanwhile, HMM has strived to extend its reach to the environmental field. In 2021, HMM completed its first test voyage using biofuel on its 13,100 TEU containership HMM Dream. This used a 20% biofuel blend at the time based on very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). In February 2023, HMM signed newbuilding contracts for nine 9,000 TEU methanol-powered vessels and, in April, reinforced the partnership with Lotte Fine Chemical to explore feasible solutions to the ammonia supply chain. The company is preparing operational tests of an onboard carbon capture system (OCCS).
