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Sea trials of algae-derived biodiesel are part of a groundbreaking fuels initiative by Lloyd’s Register.

One of the unique qualities of algae, which are plant-like organisms that grow in water such as seaweed, is that they can produce oils with molecular structures similar to petrol and refined hydrocarbon, which means they can help make gasoline, diesel and jet fuels, reveals the study.

"Certain algae can theoretically produce over 2,000 gallons of oil per acre a year – unlike first generation feedstocks such as soy beans which have an annual yield of only 50 gallons per acre," said Ed Fort, Lloyd’s Register’s Head of Marine Engineering Systems.

Among the other fuels being studied by Lloyd’s Register are liquid natural gas (LNG), hydrogen and the biofuels methanol and dimethylene (DME) which are derived from hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Two-year programme to test suitability of biofuels

Two years ago, Lloyd's Register announced that it would play a major role in a two year programme to test the suitability of biodiesel for use in powering marine engines.

Collaborators in the biodiesel project have been Maersk Line, Maersk Tankers, Maersk Supply Service, Maersk Drilling, Maersk Ship Management, Lloyd’s Register’s Strategic Research Group, and a consortium of Dutch subcontractors. The project has been part funded by the Dutch government and coordinated by Maersk Maritime Technology (MSM).

The biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) used for the test was be based on sustainable crops grown in (temperate) regions or reused oils.

Speaking at the time, Kim Tanneberger, Specialist of Lloyd’s Register’s Strategic Research Group (SRG), said: "One of the aims of the tests is to establish the degree to which issues experienced by the automotive industry in the use of FAME, will be duplicated on board ship, in particular the impact on storage stability, handling and its subsequent use in the engine. Where adverse effects are arising it is hoped to find solutions to overcome them."