Yacht operator Ponant trials B100 biodiesel in France

French cruise ship operator Ponant bunkered one of its vessels with B100 biofuel in the Port of Cherbourg.

PHOTO: The expedition yacht Le Champlain being bunkered by a truck in the Port of Cherbourg in France. Altens

The trial was conducted on Ponant's expedition yacht Le Champlain. French biofuel supplier Altens supplied the stem and bunkered the vessel by truck.

The biodiesel was made from 100% used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) from recycled cooking oils collected from the French food industry, catering outlets and catering trades, Ponant said.

B100 biofuel is suitable for all diesel engines and does not require vessel modifications, Altens said. It also confirmed the biofuel is certified by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

“This first marine biofuel test is part of our roadmap as their carbon footprint is infinitely lower than conventional fuels, with a 90% reduction of CO2 emissions,” explained Mathieu Petiteau, newbuilding and R&D director at Ponant.

By Konica Bhatt

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