Tokyo - Starting in fiscal 2024, NYK will conduct full-scale trials of long-term use of biofuels*, which are considered to have net-zero CO2 emissions, in navigating its existing heavy oil-fired vessels. Moving forward from the previous short-term trials, NYK will comprehensively verify the safety and stable procurement of biofuels when used over a long period. Through this trial, NYK will establish a safe navigation system using biofuels and promote biofuel development to achieve the Group’s goal of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by fiscal 2030 compared to fiscal 2021.

Frontier Jacaranda, a bulk carrier that conducted a short trial of biofuels in 2021

In this trial, NYK will use biofuel continuously for three months on multiple vessel types. After that, NYK will gradually extend biofuel use for a longer period for further validation.

Since fiscal 2019, the NYK Group has conducted short-term biofuel trials on about 10 vessels. While NYK has confirmed the safety of short-term biofuel use, NYK has not verified the impact of biofuels on the ship’s main engine, generator, motor, fuel supply system, etc., and the quality of biofuels after a certain storage period. NYK also needed to ensure the stability of biofuel procurement when used in more vessels.

NYK announced the NYK Group ESG Story 2023 on November 6, declaring a new target to reduce the NYK Group’s GHG emissions by 45%** from the fiscal 2021 level by fiscal 2030. NYK will promote this trial to achieve the goal.