NYK to conduct long-term biofuel trials

Last year, NYK Group, working with partners, completed a ship-to-ship bunker transfer of biofuel to a bulk carrier at the port of Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture.

Moving forward from the previous short-term trials, NYK will verify the safety and stable procurement of biofuels when used over a longer period.

In this trial, NYK will use biofuel continuously for three months across multiple vessel types. After that, NYK will gradually extend biofuel use for a longer period for further validation.

Since 2019, the group has conducted short-term biofuel trials on 10 vessels. While NYK has confirmed the safety of short-term biofuel use, the company has not verified the impact biofuels have on a ship’s main engine, generator, motor or fuel supply system or the quality of biofuels after a certain storage period. 

NYK said it also needed to ensure the stability of biofuel procurement when used in more vessels.

The company’s ESG vision, announced on 6 November 2023, declared a new target to reduce NYK Group’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from the 2021 level by 2030, which these trials will work towards.