Netherlands-headquartered GoodFuels says that Stolt Tankers is continuing to lead the way in sustainable shipping by transitioning one of its barges to run on 100% renewable fuel.
This landmark move is a key part of Stolt Tankers’ broader commitment to significantly reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for the shipping industry. For more than three years, Stolt Main, and several other Stolt Tankers vessels, have been successfully sailing on HVO20, an 80/20 blend of traditional fossil fuel and HVO, a type of sustainable biofuel. This has already reduced the barge’s carbon emissions by 18%. Now, by switching to GoodFuels HVO100, supplied by Bunkerstation Papendrecht, Stolt Main will reduce its CO2 emissions by approximately 90%.
As part of a broader sustainability strategy, the barge, operating in Rotterdam, switched from conventional marine fuel to a GoodFuels HVO20 blend in 2021 to significantly cut its CO2 emissions. GoodFuels notes that the transition from HVO20 to 100% HVO demonstrates Stolt Tankers’ dedication to innovation and sustainability, aligning with global efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Stolt Tankers president Maren Schroeder said: “Stolt Tankers is committed to investigating renewable fuels, and we strive to not only meet but be ahead of the transition towards low-carbon fuels. Our latest move to HVO100 on Stolt Main supports our efforts to achieve our own sustainability ambitions and also meet regulatory requirements and industry ambitions, such as the European Union’s aim to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030.”
This milestone is the result of a long-term partnership between Stolt Tankers and sustainable marine biofuel company GoodFuels, part of FincoEnergies. The collaboration between the two companies began with the successful launch of a sustainable biofuel trial on a transatlantic crossing in 2021. That trial marked the beginning of a shared journey to explore and implement renewable fuel solutions across Stolt Tankers’ fleet. The success of this initial project laid the groundwork for further innovations, culminating in the recent full adoption of renewable fuel on one of Stolt Tankers’ barges.
As the first barge in the Stolt Tankers fleet to fully adopt renewable fuel, this initiative is a testament to the company’s ongoing investment in green technologies. The move is expected to pave the way for more vessels to follow suit, further supporting Stolt Tankers’ ambitious environmental goals. By switching to GoodFuels HVO100, supplied by Bunkerstation Papendrecht, Stolt Main will reduce its CO2 emissions by about 90%. Stolt Tankers recognises that the future of shipping lies in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By embracing renewable energy sources, the company is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a new standard for the industry.
The adoption of renewable fuel is a critical step in Stolt Tankers’ journey toward greener operations. This move is part of a broader strategy to explore innovative solutions that can drive the maritime industry toward a more sustainable future.
HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a type of sustainable biofuel made fully from feedstocks certified as 100% waste or residues. GoodFuels’ sustainable biofuels are subject to several sustainability promises, like no risk of land-use change or deforestation and no competition with food production. Produced from waste fats and oils, these renewable alternatives to fossil fuels enable a significant reduction in carbon intensity without compromising on performance or reliability.
Image: ‘Stolt Main’ is now sailing on GoodFuels’ 100% biofuel (source: GoodFuels)
