In Japan, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its affiliate Sanyo Kaiji Kabushiki Kaisha (Sanyo Kaiji) have started continuous three-month test navigation using biodiesel (biofuel) supplied by Toyotsu Energy Corporation in tugboats operated by Sanyo Kaiji.
What’s even more interesting about this project is the biofuel will be supplied via ship-to-ship using a bunkering ship to supply fuel to the tugboat. This ship-to-ship biofuel supply will be an industry-first the first time in Japan.
Biofuels are fuels made from renewable biological organic resources. Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels has the potential to reduce some undesirable aspects of fossil fuel production and use, including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and dependence on unstable foreign suppliers. With the increasing demand for reductions in greenhouse gases emitted from ships by oceangoing shipping around the world, biofuels have attracted attention as a currently available alternative to heavy oil.
Three test trials are planned to take place by July and are being carried out with the support of the Nagoya Port Authority. Part of the biofuel supplied for the tests at the Nagoya Port Garden Pier by the Sanyo Kaiji – operated tug Taharamaru was recycled from waste cooking oil collected from domestic Toyota Group and Toyota Tsusho Group companies. This way, the project supports not only vessel operations with fewer CO2 emissions but also contributes to a circular economy by building a supply chain through local production and local consumption.
