MSC to use up to 30% biofuel in ships calling in Rotterdam

MSC containership in port of Rotterdam (Image: MSC)

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) reports that it has started to use biofuel in its vessels calling in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The decision follows successful trials with biofuel blends earlier this year. Those were completed with a minimal 10% blend fuel and, following further trials, MSC is now using much higher 30% blends.

“We are pleased to see these trials completed successfully and look forward to now using biofuel on our vessels as a routine matter. When using such blended fuel, we can expect an estimated 15-20% reduction in absolute CO2 emissions,” said Bud Darr, Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy & Government Affairs, MSC Group. “The potential CO2 reduction in the bio component of these fuels could reach 80-90%, which we will monitor and confirm over time.”

MSC says that responsibly sourced biofuels could provide an alternative solution for the shipping sector to meet the 2030 IMO level of ambition for CO2 emissions intensity reduction, as well as to make significant progress toward the 2050 levels of ambition. Using biofuel on containerships could significantly help reduce emissions and improve air quality.