In a landmark achievement for Ireland’s maritime industry, Certa Ireland, a leading energy company specializing in sustainable fuel solutions, has recently supplied Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to the dredger vessel The Causeway at the Port of Waterford. This marks the first time a dredger vessel in Ireland has operated on HVO, a renewable fuel that significantly reduces carbon emissions.
A Sustainable Milestone for Port of Waterford
The Port of Waterford, One of Ireland’s premier ports, driving innovation and sustainability in maritime operations, in collaboration with Boskalis, a global leader in dredging and maritime services, and Certa Ireland, has embarked on a two-week maintenance dredging campaign powered entirely by HVO. Replacing traditional Marine Gas Oil (MGO) with HVO is expected to prevent 100 tonnes of carbon emissions, setting a new standard for sustainable operations in Irish ports.
Laura Byrne, Head of Sustainable Fuels at Certa Ireland, praised the initiative “We are proud to support Port of Waterford and Boskalis in making significant strides toward sustainability. By utilizing HVO, we’re not only reducing emissions but also paving the way for a greener maritime industry in Ireland.”
Captain Ian Moriarty, Deputy Harbour Master at Port of Waterford, added “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions that align with global decarbonization goals.”
Road Tankers Running on HVO
The sustainability efforts extended beyond the vessel itself. The first of four road tankers delivering HVO to The Causeway was also powered by HVO, reflecting a holistic approach to reducing emissions across the supply chain.
What Is HVO?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a second-generation biofuel derived from waste plant matter, such as vegetable oils and fats. Unlike conventional biodiesel, which uses methanol as a catalyst, HVO uses hydrogen, resulting in a cleaner-burning, more sustainable fuel.
HVO offers multiple environmental and operational benefits:
- Up to 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel.
- Lower NOx emissions, contributing to improved air quality.
- Biodegradability and a longer shelf life.
- Fossil-free, ethically sourced, and ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) verified.
Certa HVO is a certified renewable fuel that provides businesses with verifiable proof of their contribution to reducing carbon footprints. This high-quality, clean-burning fuel is suitable for medium and heavy engines in commercial applications, making it an ideal choice for businesses aiming to minimize their environmental impact.
Leading the Way in Green Energy
The introduction of HVO to Ireland’s ports marks a pivotal moment for the maritime sector. By fueling The Causeway with HVO, Certa Ireland has demonstrated how innovative energy solutions can support low-carbon operations while maintaining operational efficiency.
This campaign aligns with Certa Ireland’s vision to become the country’s most exciting energy company. With over 40 years of experience in providing renewable energy solutions, Certa is committed to reducing emissions and enabling businesses to transition toward a more sustainable future.
Certa Ireland in Brief
Certa Ireland, a subsidiary of DCC plc, operates across 25 locations in Ireland, employing nearly 400 colleagues. The company is known for its innovative energy solutions in the commercial, industrial, residential, and mobility sectors.
DCC plc, the parent company, employs over 16,000 colleagues in 22 countries and operates in three transformative sectors: energy, healthcare, and technology. Together, they aim to drive forward the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries, supporting a cleaner future.
A Future Fueled by Cleaner Energy
By utilizing HVO for maintenance dredging at the Port of Waterford, this initiative sets a powerful precedent for sustainable maritime practices in Ireland. The collaboration between Certa Ireland, Boskalis, and the Port of Waterford not only underscores the potential of renewable fuels but also reaffirms the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions and fostering a greener, more sustainable future.
Source Certa Ireland