Norway-based RoRo transportation provider United European Car Carriers has taken the lead in a collaborative effort with industry partners to explore the potential of cashew nut shell liquid as a sustainable marine fuel.
Partnering with the UK’s maritime advisory organisation Lloyd’s Register FOBAS, Finnish engine manufacturer Wartsila, and Dutch biofuel supplier ACT Group, UECC aims to comprehensively assess and evaluate the viability of CNSL-based biofuel for marine applications.
Under this collaboration, ACT Group has developed a CNSL-based biofuel named FSI.100, following a rigorous development process involving extensive engine testing and a tightly controlled supply chain.
Having received approval from engine manufacturers as a 30 percent blend component in an ISO 8217 DMA grade distillate fuel oil, FSI.100 is poised to undergo sea trials, marking a significant advancement in sustainable marine fuel development.
FSI.100 not only addresses concerns regarding the suitability of CNSL-based biofuels but also offers compelling advantages such as a certified sustainable supply chain, traceability, and accountability. These attributes align with circular economy principles, promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction in the maritime sector.
Moreover, FSI.100 boasts high-quality maritime fuel properties, including ultra-low sulphur content and significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions. With well-to-wake emissions reductions of 90 percent compared to conventional maritime fuels, it represents a promising solution for decarbonising shipping operations.
Daniel Gent, energy & sustainability manager at UECC, emphasised the importance of transparency and thorough evaluation in sustainable fuel procurement, especially in light of recent incidents highlighting the challenges posed by unestablished biofuel feedstocks.
The collaborative efforts between UECC, LR FOBAS, Wartsila, and ACT Group have resulted in structured processes and extensive evaluations, culminating in the provisional acceptance of FSI.100 as a blend component in marine fuel oils.
Fabio Scaramelli, overseeing biofuels supply and trading at ACT Group, hailed the partnership’s contribution to advancing CNSL-based biofuels, emphasising the commitment to sustainability in the maritime industry.
UECC underscores the importance of collaboration, transparency, and rigorous assessment in driving sustainable shipping solutions, calling upon industry stakeholders to prioritise these principles.
By setting high standards and embracing innovative solutions, UECC aims to not only reduce emissions but also drive positive change across the maritime industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
For more information visit www.uecc.com
