ExxonMobil has supplied a B30 0.50% sulphur marine residual fuel blend made using fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) distillation residue to Wallenius Wilhelmsen, completing what the company describes as its first sea trial of a bio marine fuel blend using this feedstock.

The fuel was bunkered by the vehicle carrier Titus in Zeebrugge ahead of the trial, ExxonMobil said, adding that the B30 very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) meets the RMG380 residual fuel oil classification and complies with ISO 8217:2017, with the exception of the bio blend component.

ExxonMobil explained that the fuel blend shares similar drop-in properties to a B30 VLSFO made with FAME produced from used cooking oil (UCOME), and the firm claims marine fuels made with FAME distillation residue carry an advantage over FAME itself, in that there is currently no competition for the material from other transport sectors.

Additionally, ExxonMobil points out that several key properties of FAME distillation residue — including density and viscosity — are closer to those of the VLSFO component than FAME is, meaning users would see a lower reduction in viscosity compared with a FAME-in-VLSFO blend. This, the supplier notes, makes the fuel comparatively easier to handle onboard ships. Extensive laboratory testing, it adds, has shown good compatibility between petroleum-based VLSFOs and the B30 VLSFO made with FAME distillation residue.

During the trial, the B30 VLSFO batch was said to have been bunkered without issue, with onboard storage and handling not resulting in any filtration or purification issues, and engine performance remaining stable, as confirmed by comparing key parameters recorded in performance and condition monitoring reports before, during and after the trial.

Gideon Simmelink, account manager marine fuels at ExxonMobil, commented: "This successful sea trial highlights a practical, cost-effective pathway for customers to reduce their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational performance. By leveraging FAME distillation residue, ExxonMobil can offer a drop-in solution that supports compliance with evolving EU regulations and helps operators advance their lower GHG emission goals with confidence."

Kari Haugen, senior manager energy sourcing at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, remarked: "Wallenius Wilhelmsen has a long-standing collaboration with ExxonMobil. This trial supports our efforts to assess new fuel options and advance our decarbonisation ambitions."

ExxonMobil advises that operators should consult with engine manufacturers, as original equipment manufacturers may limit bio blend percentages or specific bio components for certain engine designs.