Petrobras tests marine fuel with 24% biodiesel blend

Petrobras began testing bunker (marine fuel) with 24% biodiesel in the composition in an attempt to increase the use of renewable raw materials in ship and vessel fuel supply.

The biodiesel is produced by Petrobras Biocombustíveis (PBIO) in Minas Gerais. This is the second test, following a successful pilot with a 10% blend.

In addition to the increased blend, the company has added beef tallow (animal fat) as a renewable raw material, comprising 30% of the mixture. The remaining portion consists of soy-based vegetable oil. Vegetable oil and beef tallow are commonly used inputs in the production of automotive biodiesel in Brazil.

Petrobras is conducting tests with larger blends of biodiesel in bunker fuel due to the characteristics of vessel engines, which are less sensitive compared to heavy vehicles with Proconve P8 engines under the Air Pollution Control Program for Motor Vehicles.

The increased demand for engines also raises fuel quality and specification standards. The National Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANP) revised the most recent standards for road biodiesel this year.

“The marine fuel sector is seeking short-term solutions we want to respond to properly,” says Maurício Tolmasquim, the Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability.

The biofuel bunker is being tested on a vessel chartered by Transpetro at the Rio Grande Terminal (RS).

“In a preliminary analysis, the estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction was approximately 17% by volume compared to 100% mineral bunker, considering the product’s half-life,” the company states.

The vessel has been refilled with around 570,000 liters of fuel. The Maersk Tankers vessel is utilized for cabotage along the Brazilian coast.

“Over the next few months, data, such as fuel consumption, power output, distance traveled, and fuel performance in filters and purification systems, will be monitored.”

Petrobras tested a 10% biodiesel blend for 40 days on the Darcy Ribeiro, a Transpetro vessel, between December and February.

“The results indicated that there were no abnormal occurrences in the operation of the ship’s engine or the fuel treatment systems (centrifuges and filters),” the company reports.

Source: EPBR

To read the original report, please visit: https://epbr.com.br/petrobras-testa-combustivel-maritimo-com-24-de-biodiesel/

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