Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - 09:29 by ce-press
During a technical stop in Cherbourg on September 21, Ponant’s Le Champlain took on biodiesel B100, which is 100% produced from cooking oils collected from the food industry, catering outlets and catering trades in France.
Carried out with Altens, a French supplier of alternative non-fossil fuels for the transport sector,
the trial is the first in France and underlines PONANT’s commitment to reducing its CO2 emissions by 30% per navigation day by 2030.
Le Champlain is fitted with Wartsila diesel engines and B100 is totally compatible as a drop-in fuel to meet targets. With CO2 emissions 90% lower than fossil fuels, it exceeds European requirements for 2035.
The whole B100 biofuel production sector is certified by ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification), an international standard recognised by the European Union and which also guarantees traceability of raw materials.
“This first marine biofuel test is part of our roadmap as their carbon footprint is infinitely lower than conventional fuels, with a 90% reduction of CO2 emissions. They are produced from used cooking oils, can be incorporated directly into engines and are available now.
“We want to help demonstrate that it is a credible alternative that can contribute to decarbonising Ponant’s fleet and the entire maritime industry. These tests will help fine tune technical parameters and the different emissions and composition of gas associated with using this type of biofuel,” explains Mathieu Petiteau, newbuilding and R&D director at Ponant.
The B100 Le Champlain is bunkering is produced in France from cooking oils collected in France and distributed by Altens.
In compliance with legislation, the first bunkering will be accompanied by a series of tests to ensure in particular that NOx emissions remain compliant with regulatory specifications. SOx, particulates and black carbon emissions will also be measured. Once this trial stage has been completed, Ponant plans to roll out its use to the rest of its fleet, subject to supply capacities.
