- Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a biofuel that reduces emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional marine diesel and can be used without engine modifications.
- HVO is used in various transport sectors but faces supply limits due to the availability of waste oils, raising concerns about sustainability if scaled with virgin resources.
- Brazilian partners see promise in expanding HVO use in shipping to lower environmental impact on marine ecosystems.
A port in Brazil has completed its first refueling using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative to marine diesel fuel. The trial took place at the Açu Liquid Bulk Terminal, located northeast of Rio de Janeiro. This milestone was achieved by maritime companies Efen and Wilson Sons, as detailed in The Cool Down Company’s latest report.
HVO’s Potential and Challenges in Marine Use
Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a biofuel made from soybean, canola, other vegetable oils, animal fats, used frying oil, and sewage sludge. The production process removes oxygen, creating a hydrocarbon fuel. According to Wilson Sons, HVO burns with 80% fewer harmful emissions compared to traditional diesel. It can be used directly in ships without the need for engine modifications.
HVO has gained some use in various sectors, including trucking, pharmaceutical deliveries, and tour buses, to reduce carbon emissions. However, a study by Cerulogy noted that the availability of waste oils limits HVO’s potential to expand widely. Producing more HVO would require virgin resources, which could impact land use and food supplies, affecting its overall sustainability.
While ships contribute a smaller share of pollution compared to other sources, adopting cleaner fuels like HVO can reduce harmful impacts on marine ecosystems. Brazilian partners involved in the trial are interested in increasing the use of HVO in maritime shipping.
Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of the Port of Açu, said they want to promote energy transition projects in industries with high emissions, such as shipping. He added that in the future, they could establish HVO plants and other facilities for low-carbon fuels.
Did you subscribe to our Daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: TheCoolDownCompany
