IKEA Transport & Logistics Services, CMA CGM, the GoodShipping Program and the Port of Rotterdam have completed a refuelling trial of the 5,095 TEU CMA CGM White Shark with sustainable marine biofuel oil.

According to the partner companies, the test represents a major step for the decarbonization of ocean freight.

The results from the trial will demonstrate to the maritime sector the scalability, sustainability and technical compliance of sustainable marine biofuel oil. This will benefit all industry stakeholders in their environmental strategies, in line with the International Maritime Organization’s new 0.5% m/m limit for sulphur in fuel oil taking effect from January 1, 2020.

The biofuel oil was developed by GoodFuels, a provider of sustainable marine biofuels to the global commercial shipping industry, after three years of testing with marine engine manufacturers.

The second-generation biofuel oil is completely derived from forest residues and waste cooking oil products. It is expected to deliver 80-90% well-to-propeller CO2 reduction versus fossil equivalents and virtually eliminates sulphur oxide emissions, all without the need for any engine modifications, according to the partners.