Global Center for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD), Together with NYK Line and VPS, has witnessed the first bunkering of B24 biofuel blend (FAME + VLSFO) on NYK’s short-sea vehicle carrier as part of Project LOTUS. Project LOTUS is a six-month long project (May 2024 – December 2024) to trial the continuous use of biofuels to study its impact on engine performance and onboard systems operations.
The project team worked closely with the vessel crew onboard to ensure that Project LOTUS’s plan was executed according to our specifications, ensuring that the data collected is robust and accurate, ultimately leading to meaningful results and insights.
The pilot will involve monitoring and analyzing the impact on:
- Fuel Quality: The quality of the biofuel blend will be systematically tracked and monitored throughout the supply chain, from bunkering to onboard consumption under operating conditions.
- Fuel Delivery System: Physical inspection of the fuel delivery system and purifiers will be conducted to monitor for potential seal leakages, corrosion, clogging, etc.
- Engine Performance: Working with engine OEMs, detailed inspections will be conducted on engine components before and after switching to biofuels along with a lubricating oil analysis to assess its efficacy in protecting the engine’s moving parts from wear and tear.
We’re excited to share the insights and findings upon the project’s completion.
Special thanks to Captain Radha Krishnan, Chief Engineer Mr. V.M Cuong, and the crew for their hospitality during the trials onboard the vessel and for their meticulous execution of the activities required for the trials. We have witnessed firsthand the dedication and care with which they conducted these activities.
About Project LOTUS
The objective of Project LOTUS is to investigate the long-term impact of continuous biofuel use on vessel operations. Project partners include Gard, GCMD, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and VPS.
A) Background and Rationale
Concerns with Biofuels:
- Biofuels contain higher levels of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) compared to conventional marine fuels.
- FAME is more susceptible to chemical degradation and microbial growth, leading to potential clogging and corrosion in shipboard engine systems.
- While biofuel trials have been conducted, they mainly focus on emissions and combustion characteristics, leaving a gap in understanding the long-term operational impact on vessels.
Objectives:
- Equip end-users with practical knowledge for using biodiesel in regular operations.
- Anticipate and plan for the maintenance of onboard engines and equipment.
- Develop standardized handling and quality monitoring procedures.
- Assess the additional costs and risks associated with biodiesel use.
- Monitor and evaluate the sensitivity of onboard systems to variations in biofuel sources.
B) Scope of the Pilot
- Shipboard Trials:
- Use biodiesel blended with Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) for onboard trials.
- End-User Interviews:
- Conduct interviews with users experienced in using biodiesel onboard vessels.
- Quality Investigation:
- Investigate the quality of biodiesel blended VLSFO at bunkering ports and onboard vessels.
C) Expected Outcomes
- Engine Performance and Operations:
- Gather insights on how extended use of biofuels affects engine performance and shipboard operations.
- Stakeholder Benefits:
- Provide data for shipowners, charterers, biofuel producers, additive suppliers, fuel purchasers, equipment suppliers, insurers, standards committees, and regulators to make informed business and policy decisions.
- Confidence in Biofuels:
- Build greater confidence in using biofuels at scale by providing reliable data and guidelines for vessel maintenance and operation.
Source Global Center for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD)