BunkeringEurope

Norden in pioneering trials of plant-based fuel

Denmark’s Norden has entered into a partnership with compatriot Kvasir Technologies, a spinout from the Technical University of Denmark with a patented technology to produce fuel from plant material, the latest pioneering move from the Copenhagen line to seek out alternative fuels.

“At Norden, we want to drive the shipping industry towards a cleaner future. If we are to truly make a difference, testing fuel alternatives is the right starting point”, said Henrik Røjel, fuel efficiency and decarbonisation manager at Norden. “The collaboration with Kvasir is highly welcomed, both as part of our aim to be a front runner in the decarbonisation agenda and because companies thinking outside the box is a necessity in the process of finding the solutions of tomorrow”.

Kvasir Technologies focuses on transforming the part of biomass known as lignin and using it in fuel production. Lignin is often seen as a waste product, discarded without being used, yet easily accessible and found in large quantities, allowing for a high degree of scalability compared to other feedstocks.   

There are a number of ways to convert biomass to liquid fuels. Kvasir’s technology can convert not only cellulose but also lignin into a liquid biofuel product.

“This project will demonstrate the suitability of our biofuel as bunkers and further accelerate the technological development,” said Joachim Bachmann Nielsen, CEO at Kvasir Technologies.

Last year, Norden became the first shipping company to conduct a test voyage on a large ocean-going vessel powered by CO2 neutral biofuel.

“Norden wants to be a front runner in this phase of experimentation and help gather intelligence that will hopefully make a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions and help the industry reach the ambitious goal for 2050 set by the International Maritime Organisation,” said Røjel. “In the effort to be a front runner, Norden is assisting in the testing and development of biofuel on owned vessels while working on making biofuel a standard on the company’s long-term chartered vessels.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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