MMMCZCS highlights potential of bio-oils as scalable alternative marine fuels
A recent report by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) has revealed that bio-oils offer a promising and scalable alternative to traditional fossil fuels for the maritime industry.
PHOTO: Biofuel barrels. Getty Images
The report, titled "Fuel Handling and Emission Management Considerations," outlines key findings from the study that suggests biodiesel and bio-oils offer a significantly lower impact on climate than fossil fuels, as they are derived from sustainable biomass and biowaste.
The report suggests that both biofuels are a better replacement for conventional marine fuels or within blends. But it considers "bio-oils as a scalable alternative fuel pathway", mainly because they can be derived from a wider range of feedstocks than biodiesel.
Meanwhile, both are "potential pilot fuels for dual-fuel internal combustion engines (ICEs) using other alternative fuels like methane, methanol, and ammonia,” the report says.
It further highlights the challenges that hinder the uptake of biofuels. “Although biodiesels are already available and in use in the shipping industry, bio-oils are not yet available in sufficient quantities for onboard use and testing.”
Bio-oils are "not yet commercially available due to low production technology readiness levels," the report says. Bio-oils are produced through a process called fast pyrolysis, which means treating different biomass in an oxygen-free environment.
The report also stresses the need for fuel standards and sustainability life-cycle certification.
According to MMMCZCS researchers, nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions of biodiesel and bio-diesel blend combusted in two-stroke slow-speed marine engines are comparable with conventional fossil fuels, including heavy fuel oil (HFO), VLSFO, and MGO.
“These results also indicate that there is no need for special emission reduction technologies or solutions to reduce NOX emissions further when using bio-diesels,” MMMCZCS said. The findings in this report are based solely on tests of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)-based bio-diesel fuels, it added.
By Aparupa Mazumder
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
