Van Oord And Shell Together In Biofuel Pilot For Vessels

Together with Shell, Van Oord is testing the use of biofuel on its fleet. The biofuel reduces CO2 emissions by more than 40% compared with conventional marine fuel. This test fits in with the ambitions of both parties to reduce the CO2 emissions in the maritime industry. The first pilot will take place during a dredging project in Germany on Van Oord’s trailing suction hopper dredger HAM 316.

We are very proud of this collaboration with Van Oord. Biofuels are one of the solutions for shipping that can be implemented in the short and medium-term. Biofuels can be blended with conventional fuels without the need for major technical modifications to the engines. Partners such as Van Oord have the technical expertise to monitor and supervise such pilots effectively.

Pepijn van den Heuvel, project leader at Shell

The shipping industry is being faced by major sustainability challenges. By 2050, global shipping will have to emit an average of 50% less CO2 than in 2008. In addition, Van Oord has signed the Green Deal with the aim of achieving a 70% reduction by 2050 compared with 2008.

Image Credits: vanoord.com

That’s why Van Oord and Shell are working together to reduce emissions from vessels. Both parties have signed an agreement to carry out a large-scale biofuel pilot. Following the pilot, the possibility of using biofuels on other vessels will also be examined.

We invest in initiatives and partnerships that contribute to the sustainable implementation of our projects. Our aim is to achieve a significant reduction in emissions. This partnership with Shell is an important step in this process.

Ronald Schinagl, Director Business Unit Netherlands at Van Oord

Pilot in Germany

Trailing suction hopper dredger HAM 316 will sail from Rotterdam to Cuxhaven and will be employed on the German project during the biofuel pilot. The ultra low-sulphur fuel easily complies with current ECA regulations. We’re testing a “second-generation” biofuel made from waste products such as cooking oil. Moreover, it is ISCC certified, which means that the entire chain is certified by a third party. Current calculations show that the biofuel is an effective and affordable method of reducing CO2 emissions. The test will indicate whether the fuel can be used in practice in existing vessels. The local emissions of the vessel will be measured during the work and after completion, the engine will be inspected.

‘We are responsible for the safety and navigability of the Elbe river. We appreciate Van Oord’s goals in developing and delivering sustainable solutions for the dredging work to maintain the navigable depths on the Elbe. Therefore we are happy to facilitate this test.

Van Oord’s Client WSA Cuxhaven (Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration)

Reference: vanoord.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News