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A Synergy-managed chemical tanker recently became the first vessel to call at an Indian port while being powered by biofuel. The tanker loaded the fuel at Rotterdam before making its transit via the Suez Canal.
This is one of a number of Synergy-managed vessels that are pioneering biofuel usage, as shipping moves towards the wide-scale use of more sustainable fuels. This particular fuel was branded VLSFO B-30 and, compared to typical marine fuels, it offers a well-to-exhaust CO2 reduction of 23%-27%, without requiring engine or fuel infrastructure modification.
Synergy group Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Ackermann, commented: “Every biofuel voyage is a step in the right direction as we greatly increase the use of zero emission fuels in our global operations, aiming for zero carbon energy by 2050. As we transition, every biofuel trial completed, and every transit like this one, cuts emissions, increases the maritime community’s collective knowledge and allows us to further train and upskill our people in safely handling the new fuels.”
The company points out that these initiatives are fully in line with India’s National Policy on Biofuels, approved in 2018 in support of supply chain mechanisms for such fuels.
According to Ackermann, “We are very proud to have achieved a number of firsts for India’s maritime industry and ports on this ground-breaking voyage. The Synergy crew showcased that, just like the entire Synergy Marine Group, they are future-ready and equipped with the full range of technical skills to operate in a safety-first environment and culture, that is critical to shipping’s pivot towards more sustainable fuels.”
