MSC Jewel

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced it will now use biofuel in its vessels calling in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Following successful trials with biofuel blends earlier this year, MSC has decided to continue bunkering responsibly sourced biofuel blends on a routine basis.

The trials were completed with a minimal 10 per cent blend fuel and following further trials the company is now using much higher 30 per cent blends.

Bud Darr, executive vice president, maritime policy and government affairs of MSC Group said the change is part of the company’s broader approach to sustainability.

“We are pleased to see these trials completed successfully and look forward to now using biofuel on our vessels as a routine matter. When using such blended fuel, we can expect an estimated 15-20 per cent reduction in absolute CO2 emissions,” said Darr.

“The potential CO2 reduction in the bio component of these fuels could reach 80-90%, which we will monitor and confirm over time.”

Using responsibly sourced biofuels is one solution the shipping sector is considering as it works to meet the 2030 IMO level of ambition for CO2 emissions intensity reduction and make progress toward the 2050 levels of ambition.