A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between MOL Chemical Tankers (MOLCT) and commodity trading company Trafigura and its vessel fuel supply joint-venture company TFG Marine to conduct a joint study on the full-scale supply of biodiesel fuel (BDF) for MOLCT-operated vessels in bunkering ports globally. Through the study, all parties intend to establish a global supply of BDF for the fleet operated by MOLCT.
As part of the study, a sea trial had already been conducted using an MOLCT-operated chemical tanker called Niseko Galaxy with BDF supplied by TFG Marine. Approximately 200 metric tons of BDF was bunkered in early March 2022 in the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The trial was subsequently completed when the vessel reached its destination off the US Gulf Coast.
No modifications were required to enable the vessel’s diesel engine to run on the BDF. By utilizing BDF the companies expect to achieve a 25-30% reduction in CO2 emissions when mixing 30% BDF and 70% conventional heavy fuel oil.
