Idemitsu completes biofuel trial for bunkering vessels

Japanese refiner Idemitsu has completed a test of mixed biofuel using fatty acid methyl ester (Fame) for bunkering vessels in the Hokkaido area ahead of commercial use.

Idemitsu carried out a trial for 10 months starting in September 2023, using a 24pc Fame mixture of used cooking oil collected from convenience stores in Hokkaido with existing marine fuel oil. The mixed biofuel can be used in the same applications as existing marine fuel oil without any changes to equipment specifications or operating conditions in cold climates, Idemitsu said.

Mixed biofuel is able to cut 20pc of carbon dioxide compared with existing marine fuel oil. But there has been difficulty in using it in sub-zero temperatures, which results in solidification and oxidation.

Idemitsu will increase use of the bio-mixed marine fuel to areas other than Hokkaido, in its effort to achieve the country's 2050 decarbonisation goal.

By Reina Maeda