Maritime industry advances decarbonization through renewable diesel and dual-fuel engines

The Steamship Authority is conducting trials of renewable diesel, known as R99, on the MV Island Home to serve the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket routes. R99 is chemically identical to ultra-low sulfur marine diesel but is produced from recent biomass. It can be used without engine modifications and is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 50% and up to 78% over its lifecycle. Following a successful initial trial in 2025, the Authority has authorized an extended testing period through December 31, 2026, after securing an alternative fuel source to address previous supply chain and cost issues.

In the commercial shipping sector, Swiss propulsion company WinGD will supply four X72DF-M1.0 dual-fuel engines to Polaris Shipping for its future Newcastlemax fleet. These engines are designed to operate on both methanol and ethanol, providing flexibility as fuel markets and regulations evolve. The engines will power four 210,000 TPM ore carriers currently under construction at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co in China, with delivery scheduled for 2031.