Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has become the first major shipping line to implement the use of alternative fuels in its vessels, with the carrier confirming the use of 30% biofuel blends following successful trials.
MSC vessels calling in Rotterdam will now start using the blended biofuels according to a statement by Budd Darr, MSC executive vice president of Maritime Policy & Government Affairs, who added that the introduction of biofuels could massively impact the wider sea freight industry.
Darr said they were looking forward to using biofuel now that trials hade been completed.
The use of blended fuel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20%.
However, Darr added that “the potential CO2 reduction in the bio component of these fuels could reach 80-90%”.
This will however be monitored and confirmed over time.
Falling in line with the shipping industry’s drive to decarbonise the sector by 2050, responsibly sourced biofuels are set to significantly help reduce emissions and improve air quality on container ships. – Bjorn Vorster
