ExxonMobil has completed its first sea trial of a B30 VLSFO blend made using FAME Distillation Residue, marking a step towards wider use of lower-emission marine fuels.
The fuel was bunkered onto Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s vehicle carrier Titus in Zeebrugge before the trial. ExxonMobil said the vessel completed the voyage without any operational, storage or engine performance issues.
The B30 blend is designed to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional marine fuel. ExxonMobil said using FAME Distillation Residue offers an alternative to conventional biofuel feedstocks, as the material faces little competition from other transport sectors.
The company added that the fuel has properties closer to conventional VLSFO than standard FAME blends, making it easier to handle onboard ships.
“This successful sea trial highlights a practical, cost-effective pathway for customers to reduce their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational performance,” said Gideon Simmelink, Account Manager Marine Fuels at ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil currently supplies biofuel blends in the ARA region, the UK and Singapore, subject to regional availability.
