In response to the need to reduce CO2 within the transportation sector in general and inland shipping in particular, there has been a shift to sustainable fuel alternatives. In addition to using renewable fuels such as HVO, OK Slurink therefore launched a trial of a diesel fuel with a high (30%) biodiesel content in September 2023. B30 is a fossil diesel fuel with an admixture of 30% biodiesel.
Trial Pouwel S
The Pouwel S is equipped with two diesel engines. For the project, the starboard engine (STB Starboard) ran on fossil B0 diesel fuel, while the port engine (BB – portside) was powered by B30 diesel fuel. This two-motor setup allowed us to compare B0 and B30 live.
Test results B30
Overall, the analysis showed that fuel quality was only slightly affected during use and that B30 did not affect service life. From the standpoint of fuel quality and fuel consumption, there was no downside to switching to B30.
Important step in reducing emissions
This trial is a decisive step toward reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices in European inland navigation. Based on this trial, we can say that a conversion for other ships is easily feasible.
