EMEA News
First Commercial Shipment using "Practically Sulfur Free Biofuel"
Finnish marine transportation and logistics firm Meriarura Ltd (Meriarura) has claimed the world’s first commercial shipment using a virtually sulfur free specialty biofuel.
The shipment of pulpwood for Finnish company UPM-Kymmene Corporation (UPM) was the maiden commercial voyage of the new-build MS Meri, a Finnish-Swedish Ice Class 1A multipurpose cargo ship built at STX Finland Turku shipyard.
The vessel's engines have been specifically designed to be able to use the unique fuel.
"The practically sulfur free biofuel used is a waste derived bio-oil produced by Sybimar Oy in Uusikaupunki, Finland," Meriarura said.
Sybimar Oy say they create bio-oil from fat and oily by-products of chicken, meat, and fish waste from the food industry, which is converted into biodiesel through a transesterification process making it suitable for, although not limited to, transport fuel for ships.
Mutipurpose Cargo Ship
The MS Meri is a multipurpose cargo ship measuring 105.4 metres long and approximately 18.8 metres wide and was ordered in March of last year.
Meriarura say the ship, designed for global operations, can be used for transporting heavy power plant equipment, diesel engines, and offshore wind turbines.
It also has the capability of operating in oil spill response activities.
Jussi Mälkiä, Chairman of the Board at Meriaura, said "the vessel represents the next generation of ships especially in terms of fuel, versatile functions, environmental friendliness, and energy efficiency."
The MS Meri is owned by Meriaura subsidiary Gaiamare Ltd and is being chartered and operated by Meriaura.
Sybimar Oy said in January, 2012 at full capacity their facility will be able to produce up to 13 tons of biodiesel per day.
The company was previously involved in the part European Union (EU) funded Enerfish research project to derive biodiesel from the waste of fish processing plants in Vietnam.
