A tanker controlled by John Fredriksen's Frontline has bunkered with biofuel blend in a bid to tackle CO2 emissions.
On Tuesday, the New York and Oslo-listed shipowner's 110,000-dwt Front Leopard (built 2016) departed Rotterdam using the new fuel.
Fredriksen, chairman of Frontline and owner of Seatankers Management, claimed the fuel will lead to a significant cut in CO2 emissions.
"A more sustainable operation is something we at Seatankers and Frontline have been working on for several years," said the Fredriksen Group boss.
"Using fuel that gives 44% lower CO2 emissions is only the first step to come. We are looking at a number or other opportunities that will fall into place in the coming year."
TFG Marine, in which Frontline and Fredriksen's Golden Ocean Group are shareholders alongside Trafigura, developed the new fuel. Dubbed B50 bio marine gasoil, it contains 50% gasoil and 50% biofuel.
"This is a real exciting project," said Helle Graesdal, head of procurement at Frontline and TFG.
Frontline interim chief executive Lars H Barstad said the company is looking at many possible solutions to reduce the company’s CO2 footprint, though the tanker owner has yet to make a decision.
"Our goal is that Frontline, Golden Ocean and the other shipping entities where we play an active role and will be at the forefront and drive the green shift within shipping," Fredriksen said. "In order to achieve the goals that the world has set for the reduction of CO2 emissions over the next years, we must all contribute and we must start now."
