Nippon Biofuels has completed a marine fuel trial in Japan using a jatropha-based blend on a domestic RoRo vessel, marking another step in efforts to scale alternative fuels for shipping.
The trial took place at Shinagawa Wharf, Tokyo, on a vessel operated by Kuribayashi Steamship. Over a seven-day period, the ship was fuelled with a blend comprising around 10% jatropha-derived straight vegetable oil (SVO) mixed with conventional heavy fuel oil.
The bio-component was produced from jatropha cultivated at Nippon Biofuels’ plantations in Africa, reflecting the company’s push to build an integrated supply chain from feedstock production through to marine fuel use.
The demonstration was carried out under a feasibility study supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as part of its Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project, according to the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Tokyo.
Early findings suggest the fuel can be used with minimal changes to onboard systems, indicating potential for near-term adoption without major retrofits. This could position jatropha-based SVO as a simpler and more scalable option compared with more heavily processed biofuels.
The trial aligns with broader industry efforts to meet emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Ghana is expected to feature prominently in future supply plans. The project highlights the country’s potential to supply sustainable biofuel feedstock, while also supporting rural development through expanded jatropha cultivation.
Nippon Biofuels is looking to grow its footprint in Ghana, particularly in the Bono Region, and is assessing the feasibility of establishing a local biodiesel processing facility to strengthen the value chain.
