Airbus experiments with sustainable sea-based energy sources
Airbus Achieves Significant Fuel Savings and CO2 Reductions with Renewable Fuel Test on Maritime Vessel
Airbus has successfully completed an 18-month test campaign involving the use of renewable fuel on its maritime vessels, specifically the Ville de Bordeaux Ro-Ro vessel. The test, which was chartered by Airbus and equipped with three 22-meter bound4blue suction sail units, has demonstrated significant fuel savings and CO2 emission reductions.
According to an independent assessment by BVS, the average daily fuel saving was 1.7 metric tons, peaking at 5.4 metric tons per day. These savings were achieved through the integration of wind propulsion technology alongside renewable fuels. The system demonstrated fuel savings consistent with projections, directly translating into notable CO2 emission reductions compared to fossil fuel use.
While an exact overall CO2 reduction percentage relative to fossil fuel is not explicitly stated, these fuel savings imply a substantial decrease in emissions. Each ton of marine fuel burned corresponds to roughly 3.15 tons of CO2 emitted, suggesting that the test campaign has led to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
The test campaign, which is part of Airbus's broader efforts to explore alternative energy solutions across different transportation methods (air, road, and maritime), will allow Airbus and its partners to evaluate the performance of the renewable fuel and the vessel's engine.
The renewable fuel used in the test campaign contains no fossil fuels or additives and is produced by Neste in Rotterdam. It consists of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
In addition to the maritime test campaign, Airbus has also made strides in reducing carbon emissions on land. In 2021, Airbus initiated the use of biogas trucks for transporting aircraft sections and major components across its European production sites.
The test campaign for renewable fuel on vessels is expected to provide valuable insights for future implementation of sustainable energy solutions in Airbus's maritime operations. In one year, on the Saint-Nazaire-Tunis-Naples-Saint-Nazaire route alone, Airbus aims to save around 6,000 tons of CO2.
Airbus is continuously working to reduce the impact of its industrial activities on the environment. The renewable fuel test campaign is the first of its kind for Airbus's fleet of vessels and is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for maritime transportation.
- The success of Airbus's renewable fuel test on its maritime vessel could potentially inspire the climate-change conscious industry to adopt renewable-energy sources, contributing to the global effort in environmental-science and reducing carbon emissions.
- The significant CO2 emission reductions demonstrated by Airbus through its renewable fuel test on its maritime vessel underscores the importance of technology and finance in fostering sustainable energy solutions, particularly in the realm of maritime transportation.
- As Airbus continues to explore alternative energy solutions in various transportation methods, including road and maritime, it sets a promising example for the science community, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to tackle the challenging issue of climate-change.
- The use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel produced by Neste, in Airbus's maritime vessels not only showcases Airbus's commitment to promoting renewable-energy but also highlights the potential for the finance sector to invest in cleaner, greener energy technologies, furthering the global initiative to combat climate-change.
