Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) has begun a year-long trial involving the continuous use of 100 per cent biofuel (B100) aboard one of its car carriers.
The company is seeking to evaluate the fuel’s long-term operational performance and safety.
The initiative will assess the impact of B100 on onboard equipment, including engines and fuel supply systems, while generating operational data to support the wider adoption of high-purity biofuels across the shipping industry.
As pressure mounts on shipowners to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biofuels have emerged as a key alternative fuel option due to their compatibility with existing vessel engines and bunkering infrastructure.
NYK has already conducted several biofuel-related trials. In 2024, the Japanese shipping company tested a B24 biofuel blend before extending operational use to B30. However, industry experience with the long-term continuous use of B100 remains limited.
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The latest trial will see a car carrier operate exclusively on B100 for a full year under commercial conditions. The programme is intended to provide insight into the fuel’s performance over extended periods, particularly its effect on vessel machinery and day-to-day operations.
High-purity biofuels are known to be vulnerable to degradation caused by oxygen, light and heat exposure, creating potential concerns around fuel stability during prolonged storage and use. The trial will therefore also examine how these characteristics affect onboard fuel management and operational reliability.
Data gathered throughout the programme will be used to support future deployment strategies and establish technical knowledge surrounding the safe use of B100 in deep-sea shipping.
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The move forms part of broader efforts across the maritime sector to identify scalable low-carbon fuel solutions that can be implemented using existing vessel infrastructure while supporting compliance with tightening environmental regulations.
By testing B100 under long-term operating conditions, NYK aims to build a clearer understanding of the fuel’s viability as the industry accelerates its transition towards lower-emission shipping.
For more information:
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha – https://www.nyk.com/english/
