Japan’s K-Line tests marine biofuels in the Netherlands

Japanese shipowner Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K-Line) has completed a test voyage in the Netherlands using marine biofuel for its car carrier, as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

K-Line on 6 November received marine use biofuel from BP at Flushing port in Netherlands for the car carrier Polaris Highway that is operated by K-Line. The vessel burned the biofuel after it exited the Emissions Control Area, the company said.

Biofuels work in existing marine diesel engines, with it expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 80-90pc compared with conventional bunker fuel.

K-Line is targeting to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050, deploying zero emissions vessels that burn alternative marine fuels, such as ammonia, hydrogen and synthetic fuel. The company is also planning to launch 40 LNG-fuelled vessels by 2030, as well as LPG/ammonia VLGCs in 2023.

The Japanese government in October has also set a goal for net zero GHG emissions from Japanese-owned ocean-going vessels by 2050, as part of the country's carbon neutral strategy for the international maritime sector.

By Maiko Nakashima