In A First, OOCL Completes Trial Voyage With Biofuel From Chevron

Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the trial use of marine biofuel supplied by leading global energy company, Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd. on M.V. “OOCL YOKOHAMA”. This is the first time that OOCL has trialled the use of biofuel in its fleet.

On 24 June 2022, the M.V. “OOCL YOKOHAMA”, a 4578-TEU container vessel, was fueled with 1999.3 metric tons of B22 marine biofuel provided by Chevron from the Port of Singapore. The 41-day trial voyage commenced on 26 June and ended on 5 August. Deployed in OOCL’s AAA1 service in the Southeast Asia – Australia network, the vessel started its round trip at Singapore, went southward to call at a number of Australian ports, and then returned to Singapore.

The biofuel supplied by Chevron Singapore was blended with ISCC certified Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester as a 22% component in the VLSFO. This biofuel can be used on vessels without changing engine specifications and is expected to decrease approximately 15% to 20% of exhausted CO2 based on lifecycle analysis.

​Mr. Kenny Ye, Chief Operating Officer at OOCL, said: “We are very pleased with the positive results of the trial. Biofuels are considered to be one of the most credible options to enable the shipping industry both to meet future regulatory requirements, and to advance further with the transition towards decarbonization. The success of this trial provides OOCL with certainty as to the feasibility of using sustainable biofuels on its ships, which gives us increased clarity over the next steps in our decarbonization journey. We would like to thank our long-term partner Chevron, a leading provider of reliable and ever cleaner energy, for achieving this new milestone with us. OOCL will continue to work closely with our partners and all stakeholders to strive for further advancement in our sustainability roadmap to create a greener future.”

“As Chevron looks to grow our marine biofuels business in the region, we are pleased with the success of the biofuel trial with OOCL,” said Mr. Frankie Lee, vice president of Chevron Product Supply and Trading, Asia Pacific. “Chevron is committed to partnering with key shipowner customers to provide lower carbon solutions including biofuels. As partners with the Global Center for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), we will play an active role in developing the biofuels landscape in Singapore.”

Reference: OOCL