NYK presents its decarbonization strategy at forum hosted by Asian Development Bank

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) participated for the first time in the “Asia and the Pacific Transport Forum” hosted by the Asian Development Bank in Manila, Philippines, May 17.

At the event, Takuya Koizumi, general manager of NYK’s decarbonization group, gave a presentation on the company’s decarbonization strategy, emphasizing the role of biofuel and a gradual transition in maritime decarbonization.

NYK was the only company from the maritime industry to speak at the event.

In his presentation, Koizumi stressed that biofuels—biodiesel in particular—could play an important role in decarbonizing the maritime industry, which is under pressure to gradually reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions.

“Biofuels … are considered to have virtually zero carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions when combusted,” NYK stated.

Since they can be used in ship engines powered by heavy oil, which are common on large merchant ships, biofuels are considered a key means of reducing GHG emissions in the transition period from heavy oil to zero-emission fuels, the company added.

“On the other hand,” NYK continued, “the various risks associated with the long-term use of such biofuels have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we have launched a joint six-month project trialing the continuous use of biofuels onboard a vessel. This project is in collaboration with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, a Singapore-based nonprofit organization supporting the decarbonization of the maritime industry. The findings will be open to the public as guidelines for continuous and extended biofuel use so that this project can contribute to decarbonization by facilitating an energy transition in international shipping.”

In addition, NYK said it has been involved in the training and education of seafarers for many years, including the joint operation of the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy since 2007—a merchant-marine academy in the suburbs of Manila.

Many of its graduates are currently working in positions that play a significant role in safe ship operations.

“We are committed to achieving a fair fuel transition that includes biofuels,” NYK stated.