Van Oord To Test Biofuel On Its Fleet

Van Oord, in coordination with Shell, is testing the use of biofuel on its fleet. The biofuel reduces CO₂ emissions by more than 40 percent compared with conventional marine fuel. This test fits in with the ambitions of both parties to reduce the CO₂ emissions in the maritime industry. The first pilot will take place during a dredging project in Germany on Van Oord’s trailing suction hopper dredge HAM 316.

By 2050, global shipping will have to emit an average of 50 percent less CO₂ than in 2008. In addition, Van Oord has signed the Green Deal with the aim of achieving a 70 percent reduction by 2050 compared with 2008. That’s why Van Oord and Shell are working together to reduce emissions from vessels. Both parties have signed an agreement to carry out a large-scale biofuel pilot. Following the pilot, the possibility of using biofuels on other vessels will also be examined.

Trailing suction hopper dredge HAM 316 will sail from Rotterdam to Cuxhaven and will be employed on the German project during the biofuel pilot. The ultra low-sulphur fuel easily complies with current Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations. The testing is using a “second-generation” biofuel made from waste products, such as cooking oil and is ISCC certified, which means that the entire chain is certified by a third party. Current calculations show that the biofuel is an effective and affordable method of reducing CO₂ emissions. The test will indicate whether the fuel can be used in practice in existing vessels. The local emissions of the vessel will be measured during the work and after completion the engine will be inspected.