Boskalis_CSR_report__2016

CSR 2016 – boskalis 37

with the potential of a significant reduction in emissions. Biofuels are currently not part of the marine fuel mix that operators and shipowners can choose from. This means that shipping is missing an opportunity to utilize what could be an attractive, environmentally-friendly fuel option. At the moment, all commercially available biofuels suitable for diesel engines are produced from oils and fats. As the consortium only believes in truly sustainable biofuels, the fuels tested in the program are produced from waste and residue streams, and no primary vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil or palm oil are used. Qualifying biofuels are selected on three criteria: firstly, technological match with marine application; secondly, top-notch sustainability performance; and thirdly, possibility of large-scale production. Furthermore, the aim for the biofuels is to be of a ‘drop-in’ quality, ensuring current operations can remain in place,

allowing all parties to continue business as usual. Any biofuel that meets these criteria will be considered. The consortium believes that these biofuels have a viable role to play in reducing emissions that no other fuel can currently achieve, without a capital-intensive fleet renewal or retrofitting expenses. Aside from the advantages of a ‘drop-in’ biofuel as described above there are also operational considerations for Boskalis. Boskalis vessels operate around the world and do not have fixed, regular ports of call. Vessels are commonly deployed for prolonged periods of time at remote locations with very limited infrastructure. The current LNG bunkering network is too limited to guarantee global sourcing. A drop-in biofuel will give us the flexibility to bunker the fuel when it is available, and to fall back on fossil fuel when there are no other alternatives. Currently the focus of the program is on Marine Gas Oil (MGO)-type

Cutter suction dredger Edax operating on biofuel on the Marker Wadden project.