Ocean Network Express (ONE) announced that it successfully completed the third trial of marine biofuel onboard one of its vessels as part of efforts to support decarbonization in the shipping industry.

It said its Singapore Flag M/V NYK Fuji was refueled with 1,300 metric tonnes of marine biofuel product during bunkering at the Port of Singapore, on February 11 and the ship was deployed on ONE's SAS service.

ONE said the vessel fully consumed the biofuel in 45 days.

"The trial started on February 21st after the vessel passed the Malacca Straits, sailing onwards to the ports of Durban and Cape Town, before returning to Southeast Asia," ONE added.

The biofuel product used was a blend of Brown Grease Methyl Ester (BGME), a type of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME), with Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).

The shipping line noted that the BGME used is produced from feedstocks labeled as 100% waste or residue and is certified for its sustainability to internationally recognised standards.

Potential of biofuel

ONE said it is a sustainable biofuel component that is technically and operationally similar to petroleum-derived marine fuels.

"The trial required no modifications to marine engines or fuel infrastructure and showed that marine biofuel product can be considered a 'drop in fuel' that can help to reduce emissions in shipping," it added.

The shipping line said the use and testing were performed in collaboration with shipowner Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha with the assistance and supervision of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

"This latest biofuel trial once again proves the potential to expand the use of sustainable biofuel components and marks yet another step forward for ONE's sustainability initiatives, which include four areas of priority: environment; social; governance; and operational excellence," ONE said.

"The use of green fuel such as biofuel will help to reduce carbon footprint to achieve its environmental sustainability target of net-zero emission by 2050," it said.