MSC to use 30% biofuel blends

Following 2019 trials of biofuel blends, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will now use 30% blends in its vessels on a routine basis.

Trails were completed with minimal 10% blend fuel and following further trials the company is now using much higher 30% blends.

MSC announced that it has started to use biofules in its vessels calling in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on 7 December.

“We are pleased to see these trials completed successfully and look forward to now using biofuel on our vessels as a routine matter. When using such blended fuel, we can expect an estimated 15-20% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions,” said Bud Darr, Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy & Government Affairs, MSC Group.

“The potential CO2 reduction in the bio component of these fuels could reach 80-90%, which we will monitor and confirm over time,” he continued.

Technical Paper: Sustainability in shipping

Responsibly sourced biofuels could provide an alternative solution for the shipping sector to meet the 2030 IMO level of ambition for CO2 emissions intensity reduction, as well as to make significant progress toward the 2050 levels of ambition. Using biofuel on container ships could significantly help reduce emissions and improve air quality.

MSC’s decision to use biofuel is complementary to the company’s broader strategic approach to sustainability.  The company remains committed to implementing concrete plans to modernize its green and efficient fleet via the largest container shipping investment program in the industry.

Fuente : Port Technology