The time for biofuels is now

Uni-Tankers has the access and knowledge to take advantage of the measurable decarbonization benefits of biofuels

Following a successful biofuel trial in 2023, Uni-Tankers can now offer customers the option of powering their cargo’s voyage with biofuels that emit less greenhouse gases (GHG) on a life-cycle basis compared to traditional fossil fuels.

The test on M/T Alsia Swan showed that using a 30% biofuel blend (B30) resulted in up to 30% less CO2 emissions compared to a standard fossil fuel-based LSMGO (Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil).

Known in the industry as a ‘drop-in’ fuel, biofuels can be mixed with similar versions of fossil fuels for use in existing engines. This means they are an ideal transitional fuel for short-term gains and, combined with energy efficiency measures, they will be vital for keeping vessels compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Union (EU) decarbonization regulations.

Testing leads to understanding

In 2023, Uni-Tankers and KPI OceanConnect — a subsidiary of Bunker Holding — successfully completed a two-day trial of the latter’s B30 biofuel blend, providing a thorough picture of this particular fuel’s performance throughout a voyage. A thirdparty team from FORCE Technology compared the results of the B30 blend with a standard LSMGO under the same engine loads (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% power). In addition to reduced CO2 emissions of 30%, their results also showed a 42% reduction in particulate matter and an 18% reduction in carbon monoxide emissions.
Due to the central role biofuels will play in our decarbonization journey, we will continue testing to better understand alternative fuels and their impact (e.g. how they should be handled, how they affect engines, how much they reduce lifecycle GHG emissions).

EU legislation will boost alternative fuel transition

Due to the immediate useability of biofuels, they will play a vital short-term role in decarbonizing Uni-Tankers’ fleet. And soon,they won’t be an optional extra.

With the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime regulation set to come into effect from January 1, 2025, all vessels over 5,000 GT (gross tonnage) that call into European ports will be required to reduce the GHG intensity of the maritime fuels they have on board by 2%, which will rise to 6% by 2030 and intensify further towards 80% in 2050.

With global biofuel production not expected to match growing demand from various industries over the coming decades, Uni Tankers will continue to investigate and adopt other alternative fuel options to achieve its decarbonization targets.

Want to know more? Please read our 2022/23 ESG Report