Cow-dung powered ships being tested in Japan for clean energy experiment

A group of Japanese companies has initiated a study to assess the viability of utilizing biomethane produced from animal manure as a clean fuel source for ships.

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), a major shipping company, is partnering with Takanashi Milk Products, a dairy firm, to explore the potential of eco-friendly biomethane. The feasibility study also includes Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Hokkaido Gas Co, and MOL Sunflower.

If successful, this clean energy source could boost achieving Japan’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

“In this study, the six organizations will evaluate the feasibility of using all or part of the biomethane produced in Hamanaka Town to fuel factories and vessels, leading to major progress toward the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” the press release noted.

Cutting down emissions using clean energy

In recent years, liquified natural gas (LNG) has been a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions. LNG is a cleaner alternative to coal and oil and cuts CO2 emissions by 25-40 percent.

In this project, the main focus is on the production of biomethane, which is a refined form of biogas. Produced from the manure obtained from local dairy farms , this renewable fuel holds immense potential to power factories and vessels. Moreover, MOL says that biomethane can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure, making the transition to a greener future even smoother.

“Biomethane is an effective energy source for the ultimate goal of decarbonization because it can be used in current infrastructure for transport and consumption. The six organizations participating in the collaboration will bring their respective knowledge and experience to this study,” the press release noted.

Plus, biomethane production may help in the better management of organic waste in Japan. This in turn could reduce landfill waste and potential environmental hazards.

This feasibility study on the production and use of biomethane for the maritime industry comes at the right time. The MOL’s subsidiary Sunflower is currently working on the expansion of its ferry services. Two LNG-fueled vessels are expected to join its existing LNG-powered fleet by 2025.

Currently, MOL Sunflower operates an 18-hour ferry route between Hokkaido and Tokyo. By adopting biomethane, MOL can achieve significant reductions in both emissions and fuel costs.

Growing interest in biomethane

The potential of biomethane goes beyond Japan. Countries around the world are recognizing its value as a clean fuel in the fight against global warming.

For instance, France’s CMA CGM is leading the way in biomethane-powered shipping and introduced its first shipping service in 2021.

On the other hand, this year, a record-breaking ship-to-ship delivery of 2,200 metric tons of liquefied biomethane was successfully completed by Titan Clean Fuels and STX Group to a Hapag-Lloyd vessel in the Port of Rotterdam.

According to ship engine manufacturer Wartsila, biomethane holds significant potential as a clean fuel for the shipping industry.

The carbon footprint of biomethane is highly dependent on its source. Biomethane from organic waste can be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change, while biomethane from fossil sources offers limited environmental benefits.

Apart from shipping, a Japanese start-up has been actively working on a rocket engine powered by liquid biomethane (LBM) derived from cattle manure.