ExxonMobil and Wallenius Wilhelmsen have successfully completed the first sea trial of a B30 marine biofuel blend made with FAME Distillation Residue onboard the vehicle carrier Titus in Zeebrugge. The trial demonstrated stable engine performance and smooth onboard handling, highlighting a scalable drop-in fuel pathway that can help reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions without operational disruptions.
London | June 23, 2026 – ExxonMobil and global vehicle logistics leader Wallenius Wilhelmsen have successfully completed the first sea trial of a marine biofuel blend made using FAME Distillation Residue, demonstrating a practical and scalable pathway for reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions in shipping while maintaining operational performance.
The trial was conducted onboard the vehicle carrier Titus, following the bunkering of a B30 very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) blend with 0.50% sulphur in Zeebrugge. The fuel was supplied by ExxonMobil and marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand its portfolio of lower-emission marine fuels.
A New Pathway for Lower-Carbon Marine Fuel
The tested fuel, classified as RMG380 residual fuel oil and compliant with ISO 8217:2017 (excluding its bio component), incorporates a blend of conventional VLSFO with a 30% bio-component derived from FAME Distillation Residue.
Unlike traditional fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCOME), FAME Distillation Residue offers a key advantage: it is not currently in competition with other transport sectors for supply, improving scalability and long-term availability for marine fuel applications.
The blend is designed as a “drop-in” solution, with properties closely aligned to conventional VLSFO. ExxonMobil noted that the material exhibits improved compatibility characteristics, including density and viscosity profiles that more closely resemble petroleum-based fuels than standard FAME blends. This helps reduce operational challenges commonly associated with higher biofuel content.
Successful Sea Trial with No Operational Disruptions
According to both companies, the sea trial was completed successfully with no operational issues reported. The B30 VLSFO was bunkered without complications, and onboard handling systems performed as expected. Throughout the voyage, no filtration or purification issues were observed, and engine performance remained stable.
Performance and condition monitoring data collected before, during and after the trial confirmed consistent operational parameters, reinforcing the fuel’s suitability for real-world marine applications.
The results provide early validation of FAME Distillation Residue as a viable blending component for large-scale marine fuel deployment.
Industry Collaboration Driving Decarbonisation
ExxonMobil described the trial as an important step in offering customers cost-effective pathways to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational reliability.
“This successful sea trial highlights a practical, cost-effective pathway for customers to reduce their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational performance,” said Gideon Simmelink, Account Manager Marine Fuels at ExxonMobil. “By leveraging FAME Distillation Residue, ExxonMobil can offer a drop-in solution that supports compliance with evolving EU regulations and helps operators advance their lower GHG emission goals with confidence.”
For Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the trial aligns with its broader decarbonisation strategy across its global roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) fleet.
“Wallenius Wilhelmsen has a long-standing collaboration with ExxonMobil,” said Kari Haugen, Senior Manager Energy Sourcing at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “This trial supports our efforts to assess new fuel options and advance our decarbonization ambitions.”
Scalable Biofuel Offering Across Key Global Hubs
ExxonMobil currently supplies a range of bio marine fuel blends, including Bio VLSFO, Bio ULSFO, Bio MGO and Bio HSFO, subject to regional availability. These fuels have been delivered across major bunkering hubs including the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, supporting shipping companies in meeting evolving regulatory requirements and emissions reduction targets.
The company emphasized that fuel availability and blend limits may vary depending on engine manufacturer specifications and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guidance, particularly for higher bio-content applications.
Strong Logistics Backbone Behind Trial
Wallenius Wilhelmsen, one of the world’s leading vehicle logistics providers, operates a large global RoRo fleet of approximately 125 vessels across 15 trade routes, supported by 66 processing centers and seven marine terminals worldwide.
Headquartered in Oslo, the company employs around 9,500 people across 28 countries, making it a major player in global automotive and heavy equipment transport logistics.
A Step Forward for Drop-In Decarbonisation Fuels
The successful trial underscores growing industry interest in drop-in biofuel solutions that can reduce emissions without requiring major engine modifications or operational changes.
As regulatory pressure increases across Europe and globally, marine fuel suppliers and ship operators are accelerating efforts to test scalable biofuel pathways that can deliver immediate emissions reductions while complementing longer-term transitions to zero-carbon fuels.
The use of FAME Distillation Residue could help expand the available feedstock base for marine biofuels, improving supply security and supporting broader decarbonisation goals across the shipping industry.
About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies, supplying marine fuels, lubricants, and lower-emissions energy solutions across major global bunkering hubs. Through its Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses, the company is expanding its portfolio of bio marine fuels designed to help shipping operators reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational performance.
About Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is a global leader in roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) logistics, specializing in the transportation of vehicles, heavy machinery, and breakbulk cargo. Operating a fleet of around 125 vessels across 15 trade routes, supported by 66 processing centers and seven marine terminals, the company plays a key role in global automotive and industrial supply chains. Headquartered in Oslo, it employs approximately 9,500 people across 28 countries and is actively advancing decarbonization initiatives across its fleet and operations.
Source: ExxonMobil