BHP and GCMD pilot UCO and waste animal fats biofuels in bulk carrier
Leading mining company BHP and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) are running a pilot project on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier using a biodiesel blend of used cooking oil (UCO) and waste animal fats.
Leading mining company BHP and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) are running a pilot project on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier using a biodiesel blend of used cooking oil (UCO) and waste animal fats.
As part of the pilot, assessments would be conducted on how biofuels from multiple feedstocks could be blended, handled and introduced under real-world operating conditions using existing UCO bunkering infrastructure, the companies said on 3 June.
Results from the pilot would also help identify solutions to challenges related to fuel quality, handling, traceability and onboard vessel performance.
“As the world’s largest bulk charterer, we want to continue to test and trial alternative fuels that will help increase supply and send industry demand signals for further investment,” said Emma Roberts, BHP vice president, maritime & supply chain excellence.
“At a time when fuel security is vitally important to global trade, building opportunities for future biofuels is critical. Along with LNG (liquefied natural gas) and ammonia, biodiesel has a big role to play in the future supply of sustainable marine fuels.”
The biofuel blend in the BHP and GCMD pilot was being trialled on bulk carrier ‘Berge Lyngor’, owned and operated by Berge Bulk, transporting BHP iron ore from Western Australia to China.
When run on the blend, the vessel had the potential to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 79%/voyage compared to sailing on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), the companies said.
The vessel bunkered in Singapore in early May with a B100 blend comprising 50% tallow-derived biodiesel, sourced and supplied by HAMR Energy, and 50% UCOME supplied by Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore (METS), which also blended the fuel.
Currently, biofuels for global shipping were heavily reliant on UCO but its availability was approaching projected limits, the companies said.
However, biofuel from waste animal fats presented an opportunity to expand lower-emissions marine fuels supplies, the companies said.
The project was co-funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore under the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT).
BHP produces commodities through its assets, including iron ore, metallurgical coal and copper, and is active in more than 90 locations including Australia, South America, the USA and Canada.
Singapore-based GCMD is a non-profit organisation that supports the decarbonisation of the maritime sector through pilots and trials.
This article has been republished from The Oils & Fats International.