NYK to Conduct Long-Term Trials of Biofuels

The rise of alternative fuels in the maritime industry continues apace, with Japanese shipping giant NYK announcing that 2024 will see the company conduct full-scale trials of biofuels.

At present - like the majority of shipping companies - NYK’s fleet is powered by heavy fuel oils.

However, NYK has ambitious carbon emission goals, having set out a target of reducing its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 45% by the end of their fiscal year in 2030 (compared to 2021). 

The trial will see NYK using biofuel continuously for three months on multiple vessel types. The trials will aim to ensure that long-term biofuel use is safe, with no adverse effect on the ships’ main engines, generators, motors, fuel supply systems and more. 

Additionally, NYK is aiming to validate the quality of biofuels after a certain storage period. The company will also be testing its biofuel procurement; which will be essential should fleet-wide adoption of biofuels be attained. 

These long-term trials follow on from a series of short-term trials that were conducted by NYK in 2019 across 10 vessels.

The announcement of the long-term trials also follows the release of NYK’s ‘Group ESG Story’ in late 2023 which sets out a series of ambitious green targets (including the aforementioned 45% reduction in GHG emissions).

Prepare for the fuels of the future with Brookes Bell

With the maritime industry coming under increased scrutiny from regulators and environmental activists alike, the age of alternative fuels has arrived. 

Whether you’re considering biofuels, ammonia, methanol or another of the emergent biofuels, Brookes Bell’s fuel team can provide you with the detailed advice and expertise you need to make your transition to alternative fuels a success.

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