The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) has published results from its Project LOTUS trial, carried out with NYK Line, confirming the long-term safe use of biofuel blends in shipping.
The six-month trial, launched in May 2024, involved a NYK pure car and truck carrier running on a B24 blend of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and VLSFO.
The vessel’s main and generator engines logged 2,888 and 1,813 operating hours, respectively, with performance comparable to conventional fuels.
Inspections found no abnormal wear in engine components, no excessive sludge, and no microbial growth in stored fuels.
While the acid value of the B24 biofuel blend rose after six months, the fuel remained within ISO 8217 specifications.
The study also produced a structured monitoring framework and a publicly available data log template for shipboard biodiesel use.
“Project LOTUS grounds the conversation around the extended use of biofuels in evidence. Our findings show that they can be deployed safely and reliably, providing a concrete pathway for shipping’s decarbonisation,” said Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD.
NYK’s Nobuhiro Kashima added: “The use of biofuels is one of the key options for advancing the sustainable development of the maritime industry. We hope the outcomes of this project will offer new possibilities and help accelerate their broader use.”
