The first marine biofuel trial on a bulk vessel was conducted in Singapore in collaboration between BHP Billiton and Oldendorff Carriers, a German shipping firm, as well as GoodFuels, the biofuel supplier and the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority. The aim of the trial was to allow the companies to establish a well-informed strategy for biofuel supply and use in the long run.
The Kira Oldendorff, one of the Oldendorff’s eco-Kamsarmaxes, was chosen for the biofuel trial. The 81,290 dwt dry bulk carrier, designed in 2020, was bunkered with advanced biofuel that would be blended with traditional fossil fuels. Minor changes were made to ensure that the biofuel blend burned effectively, and testing instruments were designed to ensure that the trial data was collected as accurately as possible.