Container shipping line MSC is extending its use of blended biofuels through a new carbon insetting programme, MSC Biofuel Solution, which the company says will help customers to meet CO2 emission reduction goals.
With decarbonisation among the biggest challenges facing the world and the shipping industry, MSC has put the subject at the top of its agenda and says it will remain a priority for decades to come. MSC’s goal is to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, having achieved a relative decline in CO2 emissions of more than 40% since 2008 though improving ship efficiency. As part of this Journey to Net Zero, MSC has adopted sustainable biofuel – which it says is the only low-carbon fuel currently available that does not require any adjustment to the vessels’ engines – as a transitional fuel in ocean operations.
MSC Biofuel Solution is available at selected world ports, and offers customers the opportunity to join forces with MSC to decarbonise their supply chains and achieve their climate targets. Under the programme, MSC will use biofuel to reduce the carbon footprint of customers’ supply chains as well as across its own operations, while accelerating the global energy transition and the industry’s decarbonisation.
Specifically, MSC procures and bunkers low-carbon certified sustainable biofuel, derived from sources such as used cooking oil (Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester or UCOME). This responsibly sourced, second-generation biofuel comes as a blend with conventional marine oil and its biocomponent can reduce CO2 emissions by 90%.
Customers receive an MSC-issued Retirement Certificate stating the CO2 savings achieved, accompanied by documentation including Proof of Sustainability for the bunkered biofuel as well as an external verification statement for the carbon insetting process.
Dimitri Ruggiero, VP Global Accounts said: “At MSC, we understand that we have an important role to play in decarbonisation and in accelerating the energy transition of the shipping and logistics industry. By adopting low-carbon fuels, we’re playing an enabling role in the energy transition while also reducing the emissions of our own operations. Customers can also achieve a reduction in emissions in their supply chains by taking part in our carbon insetting programme, MSC Biofuel Solution. We are continually improving the energy efficiency of our fleet, as well as collaborating with partners across the maritime ecosystem on research, trials and pilots to promote the wider adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels of the future.”
