Global shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has announced that one of its ships recently refuelled in Rotterdam, the Netherlands with a new biofuel, in an attempt to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by its vessels.
For the first time, the company’s Montreal Express is being powered by B20 biofuel, a blend of 80% low-sulphur fuel oil and 20% biodiesel, made from cooking oils and fats that have previously been used in the food service and catering industry.
The biodiesel used generates up to 90% less CO2 emissions than conventional shipping fuels. The test is another step for Hapag-Lloyd towards reaching its ambitious climate protection goals.
“By the end of this year, we want to have reduced our specific CO2 emissions by 50% compared to the reference year 2008,” said Jörg Erdmann, senior director of sustainability management at Hapag-Lloyd. “Biofuels like B20 can help us reach this target. This is because, in addition to having a low-sulphur content, the fuel also emits less climate-damaging CO2 during combustion.”
Hapag-Lloyd plans to use the test run with the Montreal Express, which operates in the St. Lawrence Coordinated Service 2 between Europe and Canada, in order to gain experience and information on the properties of the fuel in real-world use.
“We are checking to see whether the share of biodiesel has any adverse effects on the equipment and the fuel processing on board the vessel,” added Jan Christensen, senior director of purchasing and supply at Hapag-Lloyd. “If the test is successful, more ships from Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet could operate using the B20 fuel in future.”
