CMA CGM Containership Bunkers Marine Bio-Fuel in Rotterdam

Photo: GoodShipping Program

The 5,095-TEU container ship CMA CGM White Shark refueled with marine bio-fuel bunker oil at the Port of Rotterdam over the weekend, kicking off a trial that could help with the decarbonization of one of the largest shipping lines and greater ocean freight industry.

The bunkering took place Saturday using a marine bio-fuel oil developed by GoodFuels, a leading biofuels-maker to the commercial shipping industry. The bio-fuel was sustainably sourced and processed in Europe.

According to GoodFuels, the so-called second-generation biofuel is derived from forest residues and waste cooking oil products and is expected to deliver 80-90% well-to-propeller CO2 reduction compared to fossil fuels. Use of the fuel also virtually eliminates sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions and can be used without any requirement for engine modifications.

The pilot project is being led by the non-profit GoodShipping Program, and involves the logistics arm of retail giant IKEA, along with GoodFuels and CMA CGM. The partners hope the demonstration will shed light on the scalability, sustainability, and technical compliance of marine bio-fuel oil as the shipping industry is forced to meet emission targets set out by the International Maritime Organization.

The successful bunkering of the CMA CGM White Shark comes after Maersk, the world’s largest shipping line, announced it is also testing the use of marine bio-fuel oil on board one of its Triple-E megaships as part of Maersk’s pursuit of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. The test will take place later this month on board the Mette Maersk during a 25,000 nautical mile voyage from Rotterdam to Shanghai using a blend containing 20 percent second-generation biofuel.

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