A.P. Moller-Maersk, the Danish shipping and oil giant, is looking into powering its fleet with biofuel instead of traditional bunker fuel. The group signed an agreement with Progression Industry to create a biofuel capable of powering a boat from lignin, an intricate organic polymer found in plants.
Annually, Maersk has a fuel bill of more than $7 billion for its vessels, causing it to emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. An alternative fuel could significantly reduce its environmental effect, if not its fuel costs. In the event that Progression Industry can create a viable lignin fuel for maritime vessels, Maersk will buy 50,000 tons of the new biofuel.
The fuel change could be prompted, at least in part, by pressure from the European Commission, which is trying to get the shipping industry to cut carbon emissions. Currently, there are no international regulations on emissions caused by boats. Biofuel, which is made from decomposing plants, is a viable alternative fuel that’s also environmentally friendly. It’s commonly used to power automobiles, usually in the form of ethanol. In fact, much of the gasoline purchased today contains 10 percent of the substance. However, due to erosion, ethanol is not a great alternative option for shipping boats. Lignin is a very complex part of plants, but it contains the highest energy and in turn, has great potential as a biofuel.
There are a few companies trying to figure out exactly how to turn the element into energy, but nothing is available for commercial use yet. Maersk has not placed all of its hope for a green fuel source in Progression Industry. In addition to seeking out energy from lignin, the company is exploring other alternatives to oil as well. Quadrise International Limited has an alternative fuel called Multiphase Superfine Atomized Residue Synthetic Fuel Oil, or MSAR for short. The company says the fuel costs 5 to 50 percent less than bunker fuel or natural gas and is cleaner than diesel. MSAR is created by mixing liquid hydrocarbon and water, as well as a few proprietary additives and specialty chemicals.
Maersk has entered an agreement with Quadrise International Ltd to conduct sea trials of the alternative fuel. The race to go green Over the past decade, the idea of going green has become a movement. People are installing solar panels on their homes, driving electric cars and eating organic foods. It’s no wonder the concept has spread to the nautical world. The creation of green fuel sources for ships may be the next big thing in the race to green the planet. Currently, there are green fuels used in other industries. For example, many cars run on ethanol or natural gas. The power grid is getting increased supplies of electricity generated from renewable resources. People can even buy green energy for their homes on websites such as http://www.shopelectricityratestexas.com/texas-electricity-rates/Texas. But the maritime industry needs a clean fuel options to catch up with the rest of the world and make its debut in the green scene.