Bangkok: PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) and Regional Container Lines Public Company Limited (RCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop and implement the use of biofuel in cargo ships, marking the first initiative of its kind in Thailand and internationally. This collaboration aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from shipping activities, enhancing environmental sustainability in the maritime industry.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paisarn Udomkulvanich, Executive Vice President of OR’s Energy Solution Business, stated that the partnership aligns with OR’s strategic plan to distribute an alternative marine fuel known as ‘BIO VERY LOW SULPHUR FUEL OIL’ or ‘BIOFUEL’. This fuel is a blend of low-sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) and oil derived from used cooking oil through the refining process of Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME). RCL, a prominent Thai shipping line, will be the first to incorporate BIOFUEL into its fleet, furthering OR’s commitment to environmentally friendly energy solutions. The initiative not only aims to curtail carbon emissions but also supports the circular economy by converting waste cooking oil into clean energy.
RCL highlights its dedication to sustainable growth, aligned with its vision of environmental responsibility. By opting for eco-friendly marine fuels like BIOFUEL, RCL seeks to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, advancing the use of alternative energy in maritime shipping. This initiative is part of RCL’s environmental projects and adheres to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals, fostering long-term sustainability. The longstanding collaboration between RCL and OR is reinforced through this agreement, symbolizing a mutual commitment to a sustainable future for the maritime shipping industry and environmental conservation.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in introducing clean energy to Thailand’s maritime transport sector, aligning with OR’s 2030 goals and the Thai government’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) policy. Promoting BIOFUEL usage in maritime transport offers shipping operators an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and gain a competitive edge in the global market, which increasingly values sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.