MOL Ferry, a subsidiary of Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), has completed the initial sea trial of a passenger vessel operating on a new type of renewable diesel fuel.
The trial using the Ro-Pax ferry Sunflower Shiretoko was carried out to evaluate the performance of the fuel, which was developed by Euglena.
MOL said the renewable diesel fuel used for the sea trial is made from biomass, and can be used without changing the specifications of conventional diesel-powered marine engines. It complies with SOx regulations because, unlike the heavy fuel oil in general use today, it contains no sulphur.
MOL claimed that in addition, the biofuel emits CO2 at the combustion stage, but the biomass feedstock absorbs CO2 by photosynthesis in the growth process. This then results in a carbon-neutral state when the fuel is used.
The sea trial took place off the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture.