First ship-to-ship biofuel trial for tugboats starts in Japan

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its affiliate Sanyo Kaiji Kabushiki Kaisha (Sanyo Kaiji) have commenced a three-month trial using biodiesel supplied by Toyotsu Energy Corporation in tugboats operated by Sanyo Kaiji. 

The biofuel will be supplied via ship-to-ship using a bunkering ship to supply fuel to the tug, a first in Japan. Three test trials are planned to take place by July. The biofuel supply and test navigation are being carried out with the support of the Nagoya Port Authority in Japan.

Biofuels are fuels made from renewable biological organic resources or biomass. Burning biofuels results in virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With increasing demand for reductions in greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from ships by oceangoing shipping around the world, biofuels have attracted attention as an alternative to heavy oil.

Part of the biofuel supplied on April 19 at the Nagoya Port Garden Pier by the Sanyo Kaiji–operated tug Taharamaru was recycled from waste cooking oil collected from the Toyota Group and Toyota Tsusho Group companies. This is an initiative that contributes to a circular economy by building a supply chain through local production and local consumption.

NYK Line and Sanyo Kaiji will promote the use of environment-friendly fuels such as biofuels and contribute to the realization of a carbon-free society.

NYK Line is a Japanese shipping company and is a member of the Mitsubishi keiretsu. The company has its headquarters in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The company has a fleet of about 800 ships, which includes container ships, tankers, bulk and woodchip carriers, roll-on/roll-off car carriers, reefer vessels, LNG carriers, and cruise ships.