Spliethoff Group has strengthened its focus on reducing CO2 emissions from its vessel trialing biofuel during operations of the two vessels within its fleet. The first trial run was completed by BigLift Shipping’s heavy transport vessel BigLift Baffin while the second one was done by Spliethoff’s MPP vessel Flevogracht.

Spliethoff informed that the first trial took place between June and November last year on BigLift Baffin. The vessel was supplied with a blend of 50 percent FAME-based biofuel – a second generation biofuel, made from waste streams – and 50 percent conventional HFO.

The objective of this trial was to test if biofuel is suitable for use, as yet in combination with HFO, and to determine whether the biofuel can be stored in a bunker tank for a longer period before being used.
Since the results of this trial were positive on both points, the next step was to test the use of 100 percent biofuel. This step started in Amsterdam on December 13, when Spliethoff’s MPP vessel Flevogracht was bunkered with 100 percent FAME-based biofuel.

Since bunkering in Amsterdam, Flevogracht departed for the port of Ruen in France and is currently moored in the Port of Lagos, Nigeria, according to the vessel’s AIS data.

Once these tests have been completed, Spliethoff Group will be able to offer clients the option to use biofuels for certain trades and projects which inherently gives the possibility of emission reduction in logistics.

Both trials were executed in cooperation with GoodFuels – a Netherlands based global pioneer in sustainable marine fuels.