NYK and affiliate Sanyo Kaiji have started a continuous three-month test navigation using biodiesel (biofuel) supplied by Toyotsu Energy in tugboats operated by Sanyo Kaiji. The biofuel will be supplied via ship-to-ship using a bunkering ship to supply fuel to the tug, the first time for this to be done in Japan. 

Three test trials are planned to take place by July. This biofuel supply and test navigation are being carried out with the support of the Nagoya Port Authority.

Biofuels are fuels made from renewable biological organic resources (biomass). Burning biofuels results in virtually zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With increasing demand for reductions in greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from ships by oceangoing shipping around the world, biofuels have attracted attention as a currently available alternative to heavy oil.

Part of the biofuel supplied on April 19 at the Nagoya Port Garden Pier to the Sanyo Kaiji–operated tug Taharamaru was recycled from waste cooking oil collected from domestic Toyota Group and Toyota Tsusho Group companies. This is an initiative that contributes to a circular economy by building a supply chain through local production and local consumption.

Photo credit: NYK.  Bunkering operation at the Nagoya Port Garden Pier.