MSC Cruises Tests Feasibility of HVO Diesel Biofuel

MSC Cruises has completed a test of the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel biofuel in its pure form as part of its strategy to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and further decarbonise the maritime transport sector.

The trial was jointly carried out by MSC Cruises and Enilive, and saw one of the engines of the cruise ship MSC Opera run for about 2,000 hours with pure HVO without any engine modifications while performance and emissions data were recorded.

The test recorded lower emissions of both NOx and particulate, as well as a GHG reduction of nearly 80% compared to the use of traditional fuel. This is due to the usage of 100% biogenic feedstocks in the HVO production process.

Technical data on engine performance and associated emissions were collected and assessed with the support of Wärtsilä, the engine manufacturer, and Bureau Veritas, which acted as an independent certifier to validate the experimental results.

"The trial with MSC Cruises has demonstrated how HVO diesel biofuel can contribute immediately to the decarbonisation of maritime transport. It can be used in its pure form in marine engines validated for its use, allowing a reduction in climate-altering emissions – calculated along the entire supply chain – of between 65% and 90% compared to traditional marine fossil fuels," Stefano Ballista, Chief Executive Officer of Enilive.

According to reports, this particular HVO fuel was produced at biorefineries in Venice and Gela, mainly from waste feedstocks such as used cooking oils, animal fats, and residues from the agri-food industry. It is also available at the ports of Genoa, Ravenna and Venice for direct delivery from the terminal to vessels via barge.

The use of HVO and other forms of biofuels as strategic energy carriers are a major step in helping shipowners significantly cut their emissions and emissions-related costs, as well as meet the targets set by the FuelEU Maritime regulation.

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