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Sailing Ahead with HVO as an Alternative Marine Fuel
Lower-carbon intensity fuels1 play an important role in helping the marine industry reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while keeping tailpipe GHG emissions essentially the same2. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in particular is gaining momentum in maritime applications as a 1:1 replacement for traditional diesel to support energy transition efforts. For vessel owners and operators seeking a 100% biofuel option, HVO is a readily available energy source for existing diesel engines.
A Drop-In Solution for Diesel
HVO is produced through a hydrogenation process in which vegetable oils or animal fats used in cooking are synthesized into a high-quality diesel substitute. This synthetic diesel replacement has similar chemical properties to traditional fuels such as diesel and offers efficient combustion, making it an effortless drop-in solution that does not require engine modifications3. In comparison, other alternative fuels, such as methanol, can require significant changes to a vessel’s engine room to accommodate additional mechanical and safety equipment. With these benefits in mind, HVO can be especially attractive and impactful for existing assets.
HVO not only reduces lifecycle GHG emissions when using a renewable source of production, such as reused cooking oil waste, but also lowers smoke and nitrogen oxides (NOx) when combusted. It’s important to be aware that HVO may incur higher costs compared to diesel and the supply of feedstocks for continuous HVO production could limit availability in some regions.
Within the realm of alternative fuels, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is often referenced interchangeably with HVO. However, the two fuels are quite different. FAME can pose maintenance risks compared to HVO, and it relies on a substantially different production method. FAME is susceptible to water absorption and therefore the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. Its relatively short shelf life can affect and degrade fuel quality, potentially impacting machinery. In contrast, HVO offers a longer, more stable shelf life and is less susceptible to water absorption.
Successful HVO Use in Oceangoing and Harbor Tug Operations
HVO is already fueling a Nordic commercial tanker, which successfully bunkered at 100% purity. The tanker operator announced in August 2024 that it expects to see a GHG emissions reduction of 90%4 when using the purest form of HVO. The barge and other vessels switched to a 20:80 blend (R20 - 20% HVO, 80% diesel) three years ago, which reduced GHG emissions by 18%, according to the operator.
Svitzer, the world’s largest tug operator with a global fleet of over 460 tugs and operations spanning more than 30 countries, has also introduced a solution to their fleet of Cat®-powered tugs operating on 100% renewable fuels5. To assess the feasibility of operating on 100% HVO, Svitzer and Caterpillar Marine conducted two pilots with Cat 3516C main engines plus two C4.4 auxiliary engines. The collaboration included monitoring fuel quality, fuel cleanliness, load response and overall engine health. Caterpillar Marine also provided special maintenance guidelines to monitor for any abnormal component wear.
Reducing Marine Application Carbon Intensity
Applying alternative, lower-carbon intensity fuels like HVO has the potential to reduce lifecycle GHG emissions compared to diesel6. As the maritime industry accelerates the use of fuels and technologies that support climate-related targets, Caterpillar is committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future through its support of pilot projects that further technical innovation and lessons learned.
1These are fuels that have reductions in the emissions in the upstream lifecycle of the fuel, such as biofuels.
2GHG emissions at the tailpipe are essentially the same as with traditional fuels.
3European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP) Bioenergy Fact Sheet, 2020. Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).https://old.etipbioenergy.eu/images/ETIP_B_Factsheet_HVO_feb2020.pdf
4Stolt-Nielsen.com. Company News, August 2024. Stolt Tankers Barge Moves to 100% Renewable Fuel. https://www.stolt-nielsen.com/news-insights/news/stolt-tankers-barge-moves-to-100-renewable-fuel/.
5Cat.com. Using Biofuels in Towage Today: Switzer and Caterpillar Team Up to Test 100% Biofuel Operation. Case Study. https://www.cat.com/en_US/by-industry/marine/case-studies/svitzer-leads-the-way-toward-a-carbon-neutral-towage-industry.html#tabs-db890950ad-item-8aae8bc1ef-tab
6GHG emissions at the tailpipe are essentially the same as with traditional fuels.