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In a significant advancement for the maritime industry's decarbonization efforts, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) has unveiled its findings from Project Lotus, which examined the long-term effects of biodiesel use aboard a pure car and truck carrier. Launched in partnership with NYK Line, this six-month trial focused on a B24 blend, consisting of 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), commonly known as biodiesel, mixed with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).

Historically, the long-term implications of biodiesel on main and auxiliary engines, as well as on fuel storage and supply systems, remained inadequately explored. Project Lotus directly addresses this knowledge gap by implementing a rigorous monitoring framework designed to assess fuel and lubricant quality at critical sampling points and inspect engine components throughout the trial.

The relevance of this project is amplified by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) recent endorsement of a net-zero framework, which positions biofuels as a valuable tool for near-term decarbonization in shipping. The trial's results suggest that shipowners can enhance the biofuel content in their fuel blends to mitigate penalties associated with escalating greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel intensity targets, while also generating surplus units for future trading.

Extensive laboratory tests involving 94 fuel and 91 lubricant samples were conducted, alongside meticulous inspections during the vessel's scheduled dry dock. The main and generator engines operated on the B24 blend for 2,888 and 1,813 hours, respectively, showing performance levels consistent with those achieved on VLSFO. Importantly, inspections revealed no excessive sludge in fuel injection valves, no wear beyond original equipment manufacturer specifications, and no excessive wear elements in oil analyses.

Although the acid value of the B24 blend increased significantly after six months, the fuel quality remained compliant with ISO 8217 standards, and no microbial growth was detected. These findings indicate strong compatibility between engine hardware and long-term biodiesel use, given that appropriate maintenance and handling practices are adhered to.

To supplement the pilot study, GCMD engaged with other operators using biodiesel to compare operational practices against existing guidelines from marine classification societies and original equipment manufacturers. The results suggested that while these organizations advocate for a cautious approach, surveyed vessel operators have adopted a pragmatic and risk-based strategy, adapting standard operating procedures to integrate biodiesel blends effectively.

As the maritime sector increasingly embraces biofuels, collaboration among ship operators, OEMs, and classification societies will be crucial to establish guidelines that balance safety with operational feasibility. Ultimately, Project Lotus not only grounds the conversation about biodiesel in empirical evidence but also offers a reliable pathway toward a more sustainable shipping future, underscoring the potential for biofuels to play a pivotal role in the industry's evolution.