PACIFIC International Lines is trialling the use of marine biofuel on containership Kota Megah to determine the feasibility of using the fuel across its fleet.

The trial commenced as the 3500 TEU vessel called at Port of Singapore over the weekend, on PIL’s China Pakistan Service (CPS) route.

During the trial process, PIL hopes to obtain data on the potential generation of carbon and other emissions by using the fuel on the vessel’s engines.

Results will enable PIL to better assess the technical and commercial viability of using biofuel as what it calls a “potential drop-in fuel solution” to reduce its overall carbon emissions.

PIL co-president and executive director Lars Kastrup said the trial is an important step towards the carrier’s goal to reduce carbon emissions across its fleet.

“While we have identified LNG … as the most immediate and pragmatic transitional fuel option for the ships which we recently ordered, we are also looking at similar practical solutions for our existing ships,” Mr Kastrup said.

Last month, PIL was awarded a contract to build four containerships to be delivered through 2024 and 2025, designed to run on low-sulphur fuel oil and LNG.  

Mr Kastrup said the company will continue to play a part in exploring and investing in the variety of decarbonisation solutions and technologies available.  

“We believe such investments are necessary to support the scaling up of the supply and infrastructure so as to enable the wide-spread adoption of the net zero fuels of the future.”

The type of biofuel being trialled is a blend of fatty acid methyl esters, known as FAME; and very low sulphur fuel oil, or VLSFO.

PIL said FAME is a renewable alternative fuel largely produced from recycled cooking oils and renewable oil sources.

It has physical properties similar to conventional diesel but is non-toxic and biodegradable.

According to PIL, the origination and production of the feedstocks used to produce FAME is certified for its sustainability under internationally recognised standards.

Having departed Singapore, Kota Megah will sail on to Port Kelang, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Karachi, Colombo, Port Kelang, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.