NYK completes long-term biofuel trial Project LOTUS

Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has jointly conducted a demonstration project, Project LOTUS, with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), a Singapore-based non-profit organisation promoting decarbonisation in the maritime industry.

The project, which focused on the long-term use and storage of biofuel (B24), has recently been completed.

In the project, biofuel was continuously used for six months on a dedicated pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), and the effects on engine performance and fuel supply systems were thoroughly examined.

The results showed no technical issues, and the fuel stored onboard maintained ISO-standard quality.

These findings confirm the technical safety and sustainable usability of biofuel. The results of this verification have been published on GCMD’s website as accessible technical information for industry operators considering the adoption of biofuel.

Project LOTUS aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term effects of biofuel on onboard machinery, a topic that has seen limited exploration globally.

As a result of the six-month trial, which started in May 2024, it was confirmed that B24 does not adversely affect engine performance or fuel supply systems during extended use and storage, demonstrating the feasibility of stable operation over time.

No signs of equipment wear or corrosion were observed, and lubricants and filters maintained normal performance.

Additionally, the stored fuel quality remained within ISO 8217 standards, with no microbial contamination detected.

These findings demonstrate that biofuel can serve as a “drop-in fuel”, compatible with existing ship infrastructure, enabling safe and immediate adoption. This provides a solid technical basis for expanding its use in the maritime industry.

Furthermore, biofuel is a promising option for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is expected to play a key role in accelerating the decarbonisation of the maritime sector, reported NYK.

NYK commented in a released statement: “Leveraging the technical insights gained from this trial, we will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders to promote sustainable shipping practices and lead the decarbonisation efforts across the global shipping industry.”

Earlier this May, Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of NYK, announced the upcoming release of BioxiGuard, Japan’s first antioxidant developed specifically for marine biodiesel fuel.