Pioneering Biofuel Bunker Blend Adoption at Sharjah
A groundbreaking event has taken place at Sharjah port, where a very large gas carrier, the Lycaste Peace, has been refueled using a cutting-edge biofuel bunker blend. Inpex Corporation, an energy company renowned for its environmentally-conscious expertise, supplied the B24 blend on May 21. The blend combines 24% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) with Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), ensuring a more sustainable fuel for the ship operated by Astomos Energy Corporation. This achievement was announced in a statement on the company’s website last Thursday.
Production and Blending: A Collaborative Effort
The biofuel in question was manufactured by Neutral Fuels, a company focused on eco-friendly fuel production. Monjasa, a global maritime fuel provider, took responsibility for blending and supplying the biofuel mixture. The tanker Monjasa Shaker was deployed to ensure a seamless operation, delivering the B24 blend to the Lycaste Peace in the port of the United Arab Emirates.
Astomos & INPEX: Committed to a Carbon-Neutral Society
This successful transaction isn’t the first-time Astomos and INPEX have joined forces to further their shared goal of realizing a carbon-neutral society. Back in September 2021, both companies entered into a carbon-neutral propane gas sales and purchase agreement. The recent strides in advancing biofuel technology, as exemplified by the establishment of the biofuel bunker supply in the Middle East, is a testament to this commitment. Astomos and INPEX intend to continue expediting their actions, including increasing the biofuel bunker supply.
The Future of Shipping: Sustainable and Efficient
The utilization of a biofuel blend for refueling the Lycaste Peace at Sharjah isn’t just a single episode; it marks a turning point in the world of maritime commerce. As more shipping companies, energy firms, and global policy-makers recognize that environmental sustainability is a critical aspect of modern trade, the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives like biofuel bunkers will likely gain momentum. This revolutionary step taken by Inpex, Astomos, Neutral Fuels, and Monjasa, paves the way toward a greener future in the shipping industry.
By transforming the way ships are fueled with innovative solutions like the B24 blend, these trailblazers are setting new standards in the shipping world. They are leading the charge toward a carbon-neutral future for maritime transport, ensuring the health of our planet for generations to come, and demonstrating the potential for a sustainable global maritime ecosystem.
