Kamei conducts Japan’s first STS HVO 100 bunkering supply

Kamei Corporation has successfully executed Japan’s first ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation using 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) at the Keihin port area. This milestone demonstration project utilizes Euglena’s proprietary Susteo biofuel, derived from used cooking oil and renewable feedstocks. By integrating HVO 100 into standard maritime logistics, Kamei is advancing the decarbonization of the Japanese shipping sector, providing a drop-in solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions without requiring significant modifications to existing marine diesel engine infrastructure.

The adoption of HVO 100 aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) revised strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, specifically supporting the transition toward net-zero carbon fuels. While HVO is classified as a drop-in fuel, compliance departments must ensure adherence to MARPOL Annex VI regarding air pollution and fuel quality standards. Furthermore, classification society requirements, such as those from ClassNK, necessitate rigorous documentation of fuel specifications to ensure compatibility with SOLAS Chapter II-2 safety regulations concerning fire protection and fuel system integrity during bunkering.

Chief engineers and second engineers must prioritize familiarization with the physical properties of HVO 100, which differs slightly in density and viscosity compared to conventional VLSFO. Engine room teams should monitor fuel injection timing and combustion performance closely during the initial transition. It is essential for technical officers to verify that all onboard fuel handling equipment and filtration systems are compatible with renewable biofuels to maintain operational efficiency and prevent potential fuel system degradation during extended voyages.