Asahi Tanker Trials Biofuel, Eyes Sustainable Maritime Future

In Japan, an Asahi Tanker Co. news release reported an innovative stride toward sustainable maritime operations, successfully trialing a new biofuel blend aboard its tanker, the “Sunny Orion.” This initiative marks the company’s inaugural use of biofuels, employing a mixture known as B24, which integrates 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derived from waste table oil with low-sulfur heavy oil.

Certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC), the B24 biofuel aligns with Asahi Tanker’s environmental strategies by utilizing waste products and reducing sulfur emissions. The trial demonstrated that the “Sunny Orion” could operate on this biofuel for two weeks without any issues, confirming its compatibility with standard marine engines.

This shift to biofuels is anticipated to cut CO2 emissions by 15-20% compared to the vessel’s previous fuel, underscoring significant environmental benefits. This development is especially crucial for Asahi’s fleet of smaller tankers, where space limitations restrict more extensive modifications.

Asahi Tanker’s move to adopt biofuel technology positions the company at the forefront of the shipping industry’s efforts towards decarbonization, illustrating a scalable approach to reducing carbon footprints in maritime transport and promoting long-term sustainability in the sector.

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