VLSFO-Cashew Nutshell Liquid Blend Cuts 120 Tonnes CO2 on Commercial Voyage

Olam Agri and Vitol Bunkers report that a co-processed blend of very low sulphur fuel oil and cashew nutshell liquid reduced emissions by 120 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent during a commercial voyage without operational issues. The Kamsarmax bulk carrier Scion Mathilda was supplied with the co-processed fuel at the Port of Singapore and completed a voyage from China to Rotterdam. The suppliers describe the deployment as a definitive proof of concept for a commercially viable pathway to reduce marine emissions.

 

Details of the Deployment

 

The fuel was deployed on a commercial bulk carrier. A 2024-built Kamsarmax bulker used the co-processed blend. The vessel was the Scion Mathilda. It combined very low sulphur fuel oil with cashew nutshell liquid. The suppliers say this confirmed the fuel's performance.

The deployment involved specific quantities and parties. The vessel was supplied with 246.5 tonnes of co-processed fuel. This comprised 212 tonnes of conventional fuel and 34.5 tonnes of the co-processed blend. Vitol Bunkers supplied the product at Singapore. Olam Agri's ocean freight business procured the fuel.

 

Framing the Operation

 

The suppliers have clarified the nature of the operation. The bunkering took place in January 2026. The co-processed fuel has been available since April 2025. The suppliers stressed this was not a trial. Instead, it highlighted the fuel's use by an actual customer.

This framing distinguishes it from earlier characterisations. The operation demonstrated commercial use rather than experimental testing. This reflects the fuel's established availability in the market. It positions the deployment as evidence of real-world adoption. This distinction is central to the suppliers' messaging.

 

The Voyage and Performance

 

The fuel was tested across a demanding voyage. The bulk carrier sailed from Caofeidian, China to Rotterdam. This was followed by a ballast leg to Barcarena, Brazil. The total fuel consumption included various fuel types. Among these was 34.1 tonnes of the co-processed blend.

The voyage confirmed the fuel's operational reliability. The vessel completed the voyage without any operational remarks. This demonstrated the product's performance under real conditions. No additional onboard handling was required. No special fuel treatment was needed either.

 

Read More: MSC and Jotun Deploy Hull Skating Solutions on MSC Daniela

 

The Emissions Benefits

 

The fuel delivered measurable environmental gains. The co-processed blend has a low greenhouse gas intensity. It delivered savings of at least 120 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This was measured against conventional fuel on an equivalent basis. These reductions were achieved without operational compromise.

The suppliers presented this as significant evidence. One described it as a definitive proof of concept. It achieved verified emissions reductions alongside operational integrity. The other said it opened a new avenue for reduction. This mass balance solution represents a novel approach.

 

The Co-Processing Approach

 

Co-processing addresses longstanding handling concerns. Ship operators have dismissed direct blending of cashew nutshell liquid. This reflected concerns about material compatibility. Handling issues were also a factor in this reluctance. Co-processing within the refinery stream avoids these problems.

Past experiences illustrate these concerns. Ships bunkering blended fuel have reported operational problems. Using pure cashew nutshell liquid carries risks. These include excess engine wear and injector fouling. Its high acidity and reactive nature can cause these issues.

 

Practical and Commercial Aspects

 

The fuel is designed for straightforward adoption. The co-processed blend conforms to the RMG380 grade. This eliminates the need for additional permissions. No special charterparty clauses are required. This ease of use supports commercial viability.

Refining improvements have addressed earlier quality concerns. Experts agree that better refining has remedied some issues. This applies when the liquid is used as a feedstock. The suppliers believe this opens a viable pathway. It allows the material to contribute to marine emissions reduction.