K Line Port Service Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), successfully conducted a demonstrative test voyage using next-generation biodiesel fuel on the tugboat “Aihomaru” in Nagoya Port. Biodiesel fuel, a decarbonized fuel that qualifies as carbon neutral according to the IPCC guidelines, can be used in marine diesel engines without modifying their specifications through mixed combustion with heavy fuel oil (HFO), the primary fuel for ships.
During this test voyage, which took place on May 10th at Nagoya Port, Toyotsu Energy Corporation supplied biodiesel fuel derived from waste cooking oil. This initiative contributes to the establishment of a circular economy by building a local production-to-consumption supply chain.
In the test voyage, a fuel supply vessel (bunkering vessel) utilized a ship-to-ship method to provide marine biofuel to the Aihomaru. The aim was to verify the seamless integration of fueling operations and reduce CO2 emissions during vessel operations.
The “K” LINE Group’s long-term environmental guidelines, known as the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Blue Seas for the Future, set a target of achieving a 50% improvement in CO2 emission efficiency compared to 2008. This target surpasses the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 goal of a 40% improvement in CO2 emission efficiency (also compared to 2008). “K” LINE is committed to contributing to the betterment of society by pursuing its own decarbonization efforts and supporting wider decarbonization initiatives, aiming to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Going forward, the Group will continue to work towards these targets by adopting alternative fuels that reduce its environmental impact.
IPCC – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Biodiesel fuel is derived from plants, which absorb CO2 during their growth process, making it considered carbon neutral in its life cycle.
“K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Blue Seas for the Future: As part of our GHG reduction action plan, we are actively involved in various initiatives, such as the adoption of zero-emission fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, as well as carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.
Source K Line Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.