MTM intends to increase biofuel usage

Singapore-based shipping company MTM Ship Management wants to fuel more of its fleet with biofuels after running successful trials.

PHOTO: MTM Colorado-MTM bio project, MTM

MTM completed a voyage from the Netherlands to Brazil using a B30 blend of biofuel and VLSFO (30% biofuel, 70% VLSFO).

The trial project was carried out in December by an MR tanker, the MTM Colorado, in collaboration with Trafigura that supplied the biofuel, MAN/B&W as engine makers, and Lloyds as a consultant. The company is expected to carry out more tests to evaluate the fuel. 

The blend used during the trials is said to reduce well-to-wake emissions by as much as 35% compared with conventional residual fuel oils, says MTM.

The B30 biofuel blend consists of 30% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), and when blended with VLSFO it produces a stable and clean fuel, MTM says.

FAME’s physical properties are very similar to conventional diesel and blends easily with LSMGO and VLSFO, the company adds.