Japan’s 1st sea trial of large ferry with renewable diesel fuel

Mar 29, 2022

Taking a step toward zero GHG emissions

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Euglena Co., Ltd. (Euglena), and MOL Ferry Co., Ltd. (MOL Ferry) announced the completion of a sea trial of the MOL Ferry-owned/operated ferry Sunflower Shiretoko using renewable diesel fuel marketed by Euglena. The sea trial took place in the Port of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture.

From left: Oarai-machi mascot “Araippe,” MOL Ferry Chief Engineer Mori and Captain Moriguchi, Euglena Executive Officer and Chief Energy Company Korehiro Odate, MOL Ferry President Naotoshi Omoto, MOL Executive Officer Osamu Sakurada, Oarai Town Mayor Yutaka Kunii, Ibaraki Coast Guard, Guard Station GM Mr. Morimoto, and Ibaraki Port Authority Corporation Managing Director Mr. Ozawa

The renewable diesel fuel used for the sea trial is made from biomass, and can be used without changing the specifications of conventional diesel-powered marine engines. It

complies with SOx regulations because, unlike the heavy fuel oil in general use today, it contains no sulfur, a major component of air pollution from internal combustion engines. In addition, this biofuel emits CO2 at the combustion stage, but the biomass feedstock absorbs CO2 by photosynthesis in the growth process, so it is expected to achieve a carbon neutral state—essentially net zero CO2 emissions when it is used.

A special guest at a ceremony for the sea trial was Oarai Town Mayor Yutaka Kunii, who had encouraging words for the sea trial team: “I’m happy that such an advanced project is being conducted in our town. We would like to firmly set our vision for the future and move ahead together.”

The MOL Group set a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.1”, which laid out the group’s approach to global environmental issues. Among its initiatives, the group supports for Euglena’s GREEN OIL JAPAN declaration, which aims to promote Japan’s nationwide shift toward biofuel, and this sea trial was a key element of that.

MOL and Euglena are working to reduce the maritime industry’s environmental impact and realize a sustainable global society, while moving ahead with environment-friendly activities.