On May 2, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) began a long-term biofuel test run on its very large crude oil tanker (VLCC) Tenjun. The vessel received an initial supply of biofuel in Singapore and will continue to use biofuel for approximately three months to comprehensively verify the safe and stable procurement of biofuel for long-term use.
NYK Line has conducted many short- and long-term safety trials of biofuel use on bulk carriers, car carriers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, but this is the first time an NYK Line operated VLCC has engaged in a long-term biofuel trial.
Biofuels are made from organic resources (biomass) of biological origin, such as agricultural residues and waste cooking oil, and are considered to have virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when combusted. Since they can be used in heavy-oil-powered ship engines, which are common on large merchant ships, biofuels are considered a key means of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the transition period from heavy oil to zero-emission fuels.
Vessel Particulars
- Length: 330.00 meters
- Width: 60.00 meters
- Gross tonnage: 159,927 tons
- Deadweight tonnage: 302,108 tons
- Year built: 2008
- Shipbuilder: IHI Marine United Shipbuilding Corporation (Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
On March 10, 2023, the NYK Group released its medium-term management plan, “Sail Green, Drive Transformations 2026, A Passion for Planetary Wellbeing.” The NYK Group is promoting growth strategies with ESG at the core, based on the Group’s mission statement of “Bringing value to life” and a new corporate vision for 2030, which reads, “we go beyond the scope of a comprehensive global logistics enterprise to co-create value required for the future by advancing our core business and growing new ones.”
This initiative is part of “Sail GREEN,” a brand that emphasizes NYK’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions through the transport of goods and contribute to the eco-friendly supply chains of customers, regardless of the mode of transport (e.g., by sea or land, through terminals, etc.).
About NYK Line
Established in 1885 in Japan, NYK Line, formally known as Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, has emerged as a global leader in the maritime industry over its 135-year history. Operating a diverse fleet, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, NYK serves over 800 locations worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite of shipping services.
NYK Line has earned recognition for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety, navigating the complexities of global logistics with diligence and foresight. This ongoing dedication underscores NYK’s pivotal role in shaping the future of ocean transport and reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of the maritime landscape.
Source NYK Line