Klaveness to use 15% biofuels and deploy zero-emission vessel by 2030
Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) intends to introduce biofuels into its existing fleet of combination carriers between 2027-2030, aiming for its fuel mix to be made up of at least 15% biofuels.
PHOTO: Klaveness Combination Carriers
It successfully tested a 30% biofuel-diesel blend on one of its ships, during a transatlantic voyage from the Netherlands to Brazil in 2021.
Combination carriers are bulk container ships that are designed to handle both liquid and solid cargo.
The Norwegian fleet operator has set the goal of reducing its carbon intensity by 30% compared to 2018 levels by 2026, and by another 15% by 2030, for a 45% total reduction.
To achieve this goal, “all KCC newbuilds delivered after 2023 will be prepared for later conversion to burn zero-emission fuels," the company's environmental strategy report said.
KCC says it will bring its first zero-emission vessel into operation between 2027-2030 and that a “minimum 50% of the fuel used by the zero-emission vessel(s) in operation shall be zero-emission fuel.” However, it has not specified which zero-emission alternative fuels it is considering.
During a webcast based on KCC's report, Engebret Dahm, the company's chief executive, said there are "large uncertainties" regarding future fuel choice, availability and pricing.
Among the low- and zero-carbon marine fuels available to decarbonise KCC's fleet, Dahm believes ammonia is the "most promising". But he pointed out that ammonia-fuelled engines and regulations for using ammonia onboard vessels may not be available until 2027, so the company will wait before making a final decision.
On methanol, Dahm said that despite some recent developments in shipping, “green methanol will only be available by the early-2030s to companies not willing to invest in fuel production capacities or commit to a 10-year offtake agreement.” The transition to green fuel requires regulatory and customer support, he argued.
By Konica Bhatt
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