NYK Line has completed a six-month demonstration project examining the long-term use and storage of biofuel aboard one of its vessels, with results showing no adverse effects on engine performance or fuel supply systems.

The Japanese shipping company conducted Project LOTUS in collaboration with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), a Singapore-based non-profit organisation. The trial, which began in May 2024, involved continuous use of B24 biofuel — a blend of 24% biodiesel and 76% very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) — aboard a dedicated pure car and truck carrier.

According to the results, the stored fuel maintained quality within ISO 8217 standards throughout the trial period, with no microbial contamination detected. No signs of equipment wear or corrosion were observed, and lubricants and filters maintained normal performance.

The findings have been published on GCMD's website as technical information for industry operators considering biofuel adoption.

"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 Lynn Loo, GCMD chief executive officer.

The trial aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of biofuel's long-term effects on onboard machinery — an area that has seen limited exploration globally.

NYK Line's senior managing executive officer Nobuhiro Kashima said: "The use of biofuels is one of the key options for advancing the sustainable development of the maritime industry. We hope that the outcomes of this project will offer new possibilities to those considering the adoption of biofuels and help accelerate their broader use in various fields."

The B24 biofuel used in the trial was produced by processing used cooking oil and other feedstocks into fatty acid methyl esters, or FAME, commonly known as biodiesel.

According to the results, biofuel can serve as a "drop-in fuel" compatible with existing ship infrastructure, enabling immediate adoption without requiring modifications to current systems.

GCMD was established in August 2021 by six industry partners and receives funding from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for qualifying research and development programmes. NYK Line became a strategic partner in 2023, making it the only Japanese-headquartered company to have signed such an agreement with the organisation.

The centre has launched four initiatives focused on deploying ammonia as marine fuel, developing assurance frameworks for drop-in green fuels, onboard carbon capture, and addressing data-financing gaps for energy efficiency technologies. Over 130 centre- and project-level partners have joined GCMD to date.