Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL), a member of the COSCO Shipping Group, has launched a biofuel trial in partnership with IKEA and Kyocera.

The trial, launched in early August, will see OOCL use a B24 biofuel blend, combining ISCC certified Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester with Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), on its first voyage.

“A Green Certificate will be issued to each of these partners as a credible certification of the saved carbon emissions by opting for biofuel. The process is verified and powered by Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), a non-profit blockchain consortium. Carbon emission saving calculation and allocation are tracked by blockchain, with traceable and immutable record. OOCL uses the Well-to-Wake approach to comprehensively measure the lifecycle carbon emissions, from the production of the fuel to its consumption in ship operation,” OOCL said.

OOCL has been trialling biofuel on some of its vessels since 2023 as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy. Biofuel is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it is fully compatible with existing ship engines and infrastructure. It can be used without the need for major modifications to the engines or fuel systems, allowing for a smooth transition from traditional fossil fuels to more sustainable options.

“Working with partners on low-carbon shipping is definitely a very important milestone in OOCL’s environmental and sustainability journey that enables both OOCL and our partners to advance towards their own decarbonisation roadmap,” Michael Xu, Director of Trades at OOCL, said.

The biofuel trial coincides with the naming and delivery of OOCL’s twelfth 24,188 TEU newbuilding, which was held earlier this week at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard. The new vessel, named OOCL Portugal, is the last in the company’s 24,188 TEU mega vessel series.

“The delivery of this series of mega vessels not only optimised the operational safety of vessels, but also provided us with the advantages of energy efficiency and economies of scale, allowing OOCL to provide better and greener services to enhance our competitiveness in face of future challenges,” Xu said.

Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), OOCL’s parent, has reported a profit of US$833.3 million for the first half of the year, down from US$1,128.7 million in the same period last year. The group revenue stood at US$4,646 million, EBIT was US$841 million, and EBITDA reached US$1,277 million. OOCL’s total liftings for the first half of 2024 increased by 2% and total revenues increased by 2% year-on-year.

Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL), a member of the COSCO Shipping Group, has launched a biofuel trial in partnership with IKEA and Kyocera.

The trial, launched in early August, will see OOCL use a B24 biofuel blend, combining ISCC certified Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester with Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), on its first voyage.

“A Green Certificate will be issued to each of these partners as a credible certification of the saved carbon emissions by opting for biofuel. The process is verified and powered by Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), a non-profit blockchain consortium. Carbon emission saving calculation and allocation are tracked by blockchain, with traceable and immutable record. OOCL uses the Well-to-Wake approach to comprehensively measure the lifecycle carbon emissions, from the production of the fuel to its consumption in ship operation,” OOCL said.

OOCL has been trialling biofuel on some of its vessels since 2023 as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy. Biofuel is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it is fully compatible with existing ship engines and infrastructure. It can be used without the need for major modifications to the engines or fuel systems, allowing for a smooth transition from traditional fossil fuels to more sustainable options.

“Working with partners on low-carbon shipping is definitely a very important milestone in OOCL’s environmental and sustainability journey that enables both OOCL and our partners to advance towards their own decarbonisation roadmap,” Michael Xu, Director of Trades at OOCL, said.

The biofuel trial coincides with the naming and delivery of OOCL’s twelfth 24,188 TEU newbuilding, which was held earlier this week at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard. The new vessel, named OOCL Portugal, is the last in the company’s 24,188 TEU mega vessel series.

“The delivery of this series of mega vessels not only optimised the operational safety of vessels, but also provided us with the advantages of energy efficiency and economies of scale, allowing OOCL to provide better and greener services to enhance our competitiveness in face of future challenges,” Xu said.

Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), OOCL’s parent, has reported a profit of US$833.3 million for the first half of the year, down from US$1,128.7 million in the same period last year. The group revenue stood at US$4,646 million, EBIT was US$841 million, and EBITDA reached US$1,277 million. OOCL’s total liftings for the first half of 2024 increased by 2% and total revenues increased by 2% year-on-year.