Cepsa introduces a hybrid electric-diesel barge to its fleet of marine fuel supply vessels
She allows to reduce fuel consumption by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 35% compared to a conventional one
Cepsa has added a hybrid electric-diesel barge to its fleet of marine fuel supply vessels. The new vessel, which is already operating in Algeciras's Bay, is the first of its kind to supply marine fuels in Europe, according to the energy company. It is a barge built by Astilleros de Murueta in Erandio (Vizcaya) and is owned by the Spanish shipowner Mureloil.
It allows to reduce fuel consumption by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 35% compared to a conventional one. The barge will avoid the annual emission of more than 2,000 tons of CO2. When it is docked in port it does not generate carbon emissions, which contributes reducing emissions in ports where it operates.
Advanced biofuels in addition to conventional fuels, the hybrid barge can also supply advanced biofuels. As Cepsa announced in October 2022, the company has successfully tested the supply of second-generation biofuels to its ships. These biofuels can be used without the need for modifications to ships and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the entire life cycle by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels.
"Now that maritime transport needs to act quickly to meet FuelEU Maritime emissions reduction targets, at Cepsa we continue to try to be a benchmark and encourage the industry to transform faster to achieve a sustainable future", highlights Samir Fernández, Cepsa Bunker Director.
The ship is equipped with four generator sets that allow electric propulsion, as well as a battery system for auxiliary services in port. It also has a specific and optimized design that makes it more efficient and easier to manoeuvre. The cargo capacity of 7800 m3, distributed in 12 tanks, reduces the rotation of the ship, which translates into lower consumption. The new barge also includes state-of-the-art engines, which will use Cepsa lubricants, and, as a novelty, all the cargo lines will have Mass Flow Meters technology, which guarantees precise and reliable measurement of the fuel supplied.
Diversified portfolio
The energy company has a diversified portfolio of solutions for maritime transport, which also includes products such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and advanced biofuels. It also plans to supply other sustainable marine fuels, such as green ammonia and methanol, once the recently announced Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, the largest green hydrogen project in Europe, comes online.
"This is another example of the strong progress we are making with Positive Motion, as we adapt to offer sustainable solutions to our customers and European ports and make progress in decarbonising shipping. In addition, we continue to promote biofuels use among our customers, generating commitment and trust, so that we can be their provider of sustainable marine solutions", adds the director of Cepsa's Bunker.
Source: Expansión