After trialling a 50/50 mix of biofuel and marine gas oil in September 2021, the container ship Elbsummer was tanked with 100% sustainable biofuel supplied by VARO Energy at the Port of Rotterdam.

The feeder's main engine had to undergo an overhaul to take in 400mt of B100, which according to the manufacturer, reduces CO2 emissions up to 90% (well-to-exhaust) and almost eliminates SOx.

VARO Energy's biofuels are produced from certified feedstock, labelled as waste or residue.

"Being able to operate our vessels on 100% biofuel is a true game-changer and a major stepping stone on Unifeeder's journey towards net-zero emissions [the company plans to reduce its fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2040]. We applaud the support and constructive approach seen from the vessel's owners, Elbdeich Reederei, and look forward to implementing biofuels on many other vessels in our fleet during 2022," Hans Staal, Director, Fuel Supply at Unifeeder, commented.

Dev Sanyal, VARO Energy's CEO, added, "This is the energy transition in action. A fundamental part of our strategy is to enable our customers to decarbonize by providing solutions for their cleaner energy needs. By working together with them and by providing new, cleaner energy products we can together accelerate the transition to new solutions the world needs. It is our privilege to serve Unifeeder and we are excited by this new collaboration."

Photo: Unifeeder