Shells from cashew nuts are being used to make biofuel for shipping in a new project involving Norwegian car carrier outfit UECC.
The company is part of a new collaboration with technology firm Wartsila, Lloyd’s Register’s fuel business and Netherlands-based biofuel supplier ACT Group.
The aim is to blend ACT’s biofuel, a liquid made from cashew nut shells, with a regular ISO-grade maritime diesel to power a UECC vessel. The blend ratio will be 30% biofuel.
UECC said the key to its use is the biofuel originates from sustainable land-use practices and has the characteristics it seeks in a fuel blend, such as low sulphur content and suitability for winter conditions.
UECC energy and sustainability manager Daniel Gent said: “In our decarbonisation journey, it’s essential to leave no stone unturned.
“UECC is proud to lead the industry in not only implementing creative solutions but also establishing a blueprint for the critical assessment of future fuels such as CNSL-based FSI.100, which holds great potential for sustainable shipping.”
The testing of the biofuel bend has included engine test bench trials and assessments ahead of onboard trials.
This project is not the first of its kind.
Last month, Danish shipowner Norden told TradeWinds it has invested in an Indian-Danish company, MASH, which is also planning on using cashew nut shells to make biofuel.
Norwegian car carrier company Hoegh Autoliners has also been using biofuels on some of its vessels.
