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Home » Explore » Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Conducted ship operation test in Hokkaido using bio-mixed fuel using used cooking oil

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Conducted ship operation test in Hokkaido using bio-mixed fuel using used cooking oil

[Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.] Conducted ship operation test in Hokkaido using bio-mixed fuel using used cooking oil
*Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 5, 2024
**
Ship operation test conducted in Hokkaido using bio-mixed fuel using used cooking oil
*Major progress toward long-term use on fuel bunkering vessels in cold regions* *
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Shunichi Kito, hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) and Idemitsu Energy Solutions Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Kazuhiro Adachi, hereinafter referred to as “Idemitsu”) Energy Solutions”) is Shiraoi Yushi Co., Ltd. (a group company of Secoma Co., Ltd., hereinafter referred to as “Shiraoi Yushi”), Narasaki Oil Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Narasaki Oil”), Hanshin Internal Combustion Machinery Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Hanshin Internal Combustion Machinery Co., Ltd.”) We conducted a long-term continuous operation test of a fuel bunkering vessel using bio-mixed fuel*1 in cooperation with “Kogyo”).
A bio-blended fuel containing 24% FAME*2 will be used continuously for approximately 10 months from September 2023 to June 2024, and will be used for equipment and operation in the cold region of Hokkaido. We have confirmed that the flight can be operated without any problems without changing the conditions. *

The bio-blended fuel used in this test can be expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20% compared to conventional marine fuel, but it has low-temperature fluidity that solidifies at minus temperatures and stable oxidation due to long-term continuous use. Gender*3 was an issue. In February 2023, we cleared the problem of low-temperature fluidity during an approximately one-month operational test using a small vessel (99G/T gross tonnage) in the harsh winter of Tomakomai Port.
This operational test was conducted on a larger ship (gross tonnage 497G/T) over a long period of approximately 10 months with the aim of verifying the impact of biofuel mixture on the oxidation stability of the engine and operation. As a result, it was confirmed that there was no effect on oxidation stability during this operational test, and that the fuel could be operated in the same way as with existing fuels. Furthermore, after the operational test was completed, we conducted an open inspection of the main engine, etc., and confirmed that there were no concerns regarding the use of bio-mixed fuel, making a significant step forward towards the practical application of bio-mixed fuel for ships.

Based on the knowledge gained from this operational test, we will expand the practical application of marine bio-mixed fuel to areas other than Hokkaido. At the same time, we will promote the use of bio-mixed fuels, contributing to local production and consumption of energy and reduction of CO2 emissions from ships.

■Image of supply chain for continuous operation using bio-mixed fuel

■Role of each company in test flight
Idemitsu Kosan: Quality control support for bio-blended fuel made by mixing FAME and A heavy oil*4
Idemitsu Energy Solutions: Operation of Kamui Maru (ship owner: Hideo Chemical), a ship subject to operational testing
Shiraoi Oil: Collection of used cooking oil from Seikomart in Hokkaido, FAME production and supply
Narasaki Oil: Offshore refueling (bunkering) of bio-mixed fuel by distribution vessel
Hanshin Internal Combustion Machinery Industry: Kamui Maru main engine evaluation

[Reference]
Commencement of low-carbon energy local production and consumption initiatives in Hokkaido
https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/news/2022/230323.html

*1 Bio-blended fuel: A fuel that mixes FAME with the existing fuel A heavy oil. *2 FAME: Fatty Acids Methyl Ester. Turn used cooking oil into methano It is made to have properties similar to diesel oil by reacting with diesel fuel, and is the main base material for biofuels.
*3 Oxidation stability: A measure of the susceptibility of chemical substances to oxidative effects that cause deterioration and alteration.
*4 Heavy oil A: A petroleum product used as fuel for boilers and marine diesel engines.

~Contact information regarding this matter~
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department Public Relations Division https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/contact/newsrelease_flow/index.html






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