The planned biofuel testing reinforces EPS’ commitment to using alternative marine fuels to lower emissions

SINGAPORE, 15 October 2020 – Singaporean-based tonnage provider Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), has appointed GoodFuels to supply biofuel bunkers for its 2010-built 47,377 deadweight tonne MR tanker M/T Pacific Beryl. The successful bunkering, which took place on Friday, October 9 in Dutch waters, is in line with EPS’ Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Policy. The policy calls for the testing and use of various alternative marine fuels to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions today. Alternative marine fuels are essential transitional fuels that will pave the way towards industry-wide decarbonisation and the preservation of the environment for future generations.

GoodFuels supplied EPS with a residual-fuel equivalent Bio-Fuel Oil (BFO). The BFO’s performance will be tested and analysed on M/T Pacific Beryl as well as other classes of EPS managed ships in the near future.

Video: M/T Pacific Beryl receiving biofuel bunkers from GoodFuels

The trial highlights the need for shipowners and managers not to take a wait-and-see approach towards decarbonisation. EPS CEO Cyril Ducau said: “We are fully committed to investing in and taking action to lower our carbon footprint today. At EPS, we believe that sustainability begins with accountability, which is why we are taking a mixed marine fuel approach towards reducing our emissions. We are already implementing LNG and LPG across 30 of our newbuilds, but we need to look at other options for our existing fleet. Biofuels, such as the advanced, sustainable biofuels supplied by GoodFuels, provides us with a solution that matches our values and sustainability agenda. Our whole team is looking forward to the results of this trial and expects biofuels to be another example of not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

Bart Hellings, Chief Operating Officer at GoodFuels, added: “This announcement marks yet another important milestone in accelerating the energy transition within shipping. We are delighted this test with EPS was a success and want to thank them for fully embracing a carbon-busting solution that is scalable, truly sustainable, technically compliant and affordable.

“Together, we are showing the shipping industry, and the world, that sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of operations already exist on the market – and that advanced marine biofuels will play an important part in the future alternative fuel mix.”