Quadrise said early trials using crude sugar oil (CSO) instead of glycerine in its bioMSAR fuel had produced stable quantities of the ship diesel alternative and immediate efficiency improvement.
Crude sugar oil producer Vertoro is partnering Quadrise in the trials, with the fuel tested by Aquafuel on a Cummins diesel engine using bioMSAR containing 18-20% CSO.
Engine efficiency improved by 7% resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions, in line with conventional bioMSAR results, Quadrise added.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) fell by up to 16% with carbon monoxide emissions down by over 50%, which was again consistent with conventional bioMSAR, Quadrise added.
Further testing will now be carried out with the CSO component rising to 40%.
Jason Miles, Quadrise's chief executive, said he was delighted with the results.
“CSO products are potentially the most price-competitive net-zero biofuel solutions for the marine sector.
“This offers another compelling solution for the marine sector as it looks to accelerate decarbonisation and emissions reduction economically and safely.”
Michael Boot, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vertoro, added: “The increased engine efficiency and more favourable low emissions profile observed in recent engine tests further underlines the potential of this innovative fuel.”