Shortsea ro-ro group United European Car Carriers (UECC) has taken delivery of sustainable biofuel to a chartered ship for the first time.
The move, in collaboration with Dutch biofuel provider GoodFuels and vessel owner NYK, marks the first time a UECC time-chartered vessel, has been bunkered with biofuel, further solidifying UECC's position in developing sustainable maritime transport.
The 470 tonnes of B30 blend of VLSFO and sustainable biofuel were delivered to the 41,000-gt Emerald Leader (built 2007) in the port of Vlissingen by Goodfuels on 27 May, the companies said.
Netherlands-based GoodFuels says its biofuel reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional fossil fuels, and is sourced from renewable feedstocks that are certified as 100% waste or residue so that they do not compete with food production or cause deforestation.
Emerald Leader owner NYK, which is also the joint owner of UECC, provided technical support and is working closely with the Norwegian operator to monitor the biofuel's performance on the ship.
“This momentous delivery of next-generation biofuel represents another significant step forward in our sustainability journey," said Daniel Gent, energy and sustainability manager for UECC.
By bunkering biofuel on a UECC time-chartered vessel, he said UECC was demonstrating an unwavering commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and providing cleaner transport options.
Bernard van Haeringen, commercial manager at GoodFuels, said the collaboration showed the companies’ commitment to “accelerating the energy transition in the shipping industry”. The firm is confident biofuels can play a crucial role in decarbonising the maritime sector, he added.
The Emerald Leader operates on UECC's North-South trade, connecting the Eastern Mediterranean with Northern Europe.
