Quadrise signed a new framework agreement for its diesel alternative with a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping, the operator of one of the world’s largest container fleets.
Cyprus-based MSC Shipmanagement will carry out proof-of-concept (POC) tests and operational trials using Quadrise’s bioMSAR and MSAR fuels ahead of a potential global deal.
MSC and Quadrise are already collaborating on a trial for MSAR, an enhanced emulsified synthetic heavy fuel oil (HFO), on commercial container vessels.
Jason Miles, Quadrise Fuel’s chief executive, said: "Quadrise is delighted to have signed this new agreement with MSC Shipmanagement, the biggest in-house ship management company globally responsible for the largest container ship fleet in the world."
“MSC sets the standard for energy efficiency and biofuel use in the marine sector, and we believe that our bioMSAR and MSAR technology offers an excellent solution to accelerate their decarbonisation and emissions reduction efforts," Miles added.
Testing under the new agreement will be carried out on a vessel now owned by MSC but that had previously been used in a prior demonstration of MSAR.
It is scheduled to start by the end of 2022, subject to the ship being available.
Each POC trial will require 1,000 metric tons (MT) of fuel to confirm engine performance on the vessel.
A successful POC will be followed by operational trials to provide commercial operating experience with a view to obtaining Letters of No Objection (LONOs) from the engine manufacturer.
Approximately 25,000MT of fuel will be required for each of the operational trials, with fuel to be produced by Quadrise and purchased by MSC.
Discussions with other ship owners can continue while MSC testing is ongoing, Quadrise said.
Prabhat Jha, CEO of MSC Shipmanagement, noted: "MSC Shipmanagement is delighted to be working with the Quadrise team under this new agreement, as together we have an important enabling role in the marine energy transition towards a net zero carbon future and reducing our own vessel emissions.
“MSC has one of the youngest fleets among the world's leading shipping lines, and we seek to continually improve energy efficiency by collaborating with suppliers.”