Container shipping giant Maersk and the US Navy have joined forces to test algae-based biofuel on ships as part of an environmental research programme, reports shipping news blog gCaptain.
Danish line Maersk said the tests would be carried out on the container ship Maersk Kalmar en route from Northern Europe to India.
'The shipping industry needs to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas intensity in the coming decades,' Jacob Sterling, Maersk Line head of climate and environment, is quoted as saying. 'In the short term, we can gain a lot by focusing on improving fuel efficiency. In the longer term, we would like to see sustainable biofuels become a commercially available, low-carbon fuel.'
Engineers and crew on board Maersk Kalmar will analyse emissions data and observe effects on power efficiency and engine wear and tear during the 6,500 nautical mile journey.
Tests were scheduled to conclude in December.
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