The RRS James Cook. / SOURCE: U.K. National Oceanography Centre
October 4, 2024
BY U.K. National Oceanography Centre
The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is trialing the use of a fossil-free marine diesel to fuel the Royal Research Ships (RRS) James Cook and Discovery.
Use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), made from used vegetable oils and fats and non-food crops, is able to significantly reduce net CO2 vessel emissions, compared to conventional diesel fuel.
The trial is funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which owns the two vessels, in support of a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) goal to achieve net zero emission operations by 2040.
Advertisement
HVO can be used as a “drop-in” replacement in marine engines and because it’s made from already used products and non-food crops, it’s life-cycle CO2 emissions are much lower than fossil fuel.
Kevin Williams, Head of Research Ships Engineering at NOC, says, “As a research organization, NOC is focused on understanding and protecting our ocean. Reducing our own environmental footprint is a key part of that and the carbon emissions from our vessels is a major part of that.”
Advertisement
During the trial, HVO is replacing the low sulfur marine gas oil (LSMGO) NOC normally uses. HVO is one of the more stable biofuels, which means it’s suitable for the different conditions NOC vessels operate in, from high temperature regions to the Arctic.
However, there are some challenges around its use, such as cost and availability, especially in the remote places NOC operates, says Williams.
The HVO trial is part of wider emissions reduction work at NOC. For the vessels, this includes assessing the use of batteries onboard, to reduce the use of the engines during scientific operations, and a focus on marine operations planning, to reduce transit time and more efficient routing based on weather.
Neste and FedEx, the world’s largest express cargo airline, have agreed on the supply of 8,800 metric tons (more than 3 million gallons) of blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to FedEx at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Wheels Up Experience Inc. on May 6 announced the launch of its new SAF program, under which Wheels Up will partner with Delta Air Lines to purchase SAF, allowing private fliers to participate regardless of their flight operator or departure airport.
Germany-based Mabanaft on April 17 announced it started to supply SAF to airlines at Frankfurt Airport in January. The company said it will deliver more than 1,000 metric tons of SAF to the airport this year under the European SAF mandate.
easyJet and ATOBA Energy, in partnership with World Fuel Services, announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the development of long-term supply of SAF for easyJet’s operations in Europe and the U.K.
EVA Air announced the signing of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) procurement agreements with three major suppliers: AEG FUELS from the U.S., COSMO Oil Marketing Co. Ltd. from Japan, and Formosa Petrochemical Corp. from Taiwan.