Danish tanker and bulker owner Norden has entered the battle to produce viable bunkers from lignin, a plant material seen as a waste product.
It has formed a partnership with compatriot Kvasir Technologies, a spin-off from the Technical University of Denmark, which has patented technology to produce fuel from the biomass substance.
Lignin is usually discarded without being used, but is easily accessible and found in large quantities, allowing for a "high degree of scalability" compared to other feedstocks, Norden said.
"This project will demonstrate the suitability of our biofuel as bunkers and further accelerate the technological development," said Joachim Bachmann Nielsen, CEO at Kvasir.
Maersk leading the way
Shipowners Maersk and Wilhelmsen said in October they were teaming up to study lignin blended with ethanol as one of a number of potential sustainable bunkering options.
“At Norden, we want to drive the shipping industry towards a cleaner future," said Henrik Rojel, Norden's fuel efficiency and decarbonisation manager.
"If we are to truly make a difference, testing fuel alternatives is the right starting point.
“The collaboration with Kvasir is highly welcomed, both as part of our aim to be a front runner in the decarbonisation agenda and because companies thinking outside the box is a necessity in the process of finding the solutions of tomorrow”.
Biofuels trialled already
Norden has already tested biofuels in a trial with GoodFuels of the Netherlands.
In September 2018 it became the first company to conduct a test voyage on a large vessel powered by the fuel.
A full-scale test of Kvasir’s lignin-based bunkers will be conducted on one of Norden's vessels at a later stage during the three and a half year collaboration.
"Norden will continuously share its vast insights into the handling of vessels and what properties the fuel must have in order to be a viable and functioning option," it pledged.
