COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers have hit a milestone recently completing a maiden voyage using a biofuel blend. The company’s MPP Da Chang bunkered 500 tons of B24 biofuel while anchored in Singapore and set off on its trial run. 

COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers were provided with the B24 biofuel by Chevron. The particular blend consists of 76 per cent of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) or High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and 24 per cent Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME). The blend is being touted as a ‘game changer’ in the quest for a cleaner and more sustainable energy source for the maritime industry.

For the company, it marks a significant milestone for the environmental sustainability of its fleet. After an extensive trial period, the vessel consumed the entire supply of biofuel, marking the success of this pioneering endeavour.

Da Chang is one of the company’s Da Type 3 vessels, with an overall length of 179.57 metres and three cranes and a lifting capacity of 700 tons combined.

COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers have also recently joined forces with Guangzhou Salvage to form the world’s largest semi-submersible heavy lift player on the market. The two companies will handle the commercial management of the fleet through their offices in Guangzhou, China, Houston, U.S.A. and Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

The joint venture will have a fleet of 18 semi-submersible vessels under its management by the end of 2023. Currently, COSCO Shipping Specialized has a fleet of 12 submersible vessels with the 13th vessel, a 65,000-dwt newbuilding, set for delivery before the end of 2023.