ExxonMobil Successfully Trials B30 Marine Fuel Made from FAME Distillation Residue

ExxonMobil has successfully supplied Wallenius Wilhelmsen with a B30 very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) blend containing fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) distillation residue, marking a significant milestone in low-carbon marine fuel development. The fuel was bunkered onto the vehicle carrier Titus at the Port of Zeebrugge before completing a successful sea trial.

The B30 VLSFO complies with the RMG380 residual fuel specification and the ISO 8217:2017 marine fuel standard. It delivers performance comparable to B30 VLSFO produced with used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) and can be used as a drop-in fuel without engine modifications. During the trial, bunkering, onboard storage, fuel treatment, and engine operation proceeded without any operational issues.

According to ExxonMobil, utilizing FAME distillation residue provides a cost-effective pathway to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while helping shipowners comply with evolving EU decarbonization regulations and advance their sustainability goals.