GCMD’s Project LOTUS confirms long-term operational feasibility of B24 biofuel blend in vessels

Summary

GCMD (Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation), in partnership with NYK Line, ran Project LOTUS to test continuous use of a B24 fuel blend (24% FAME biodiesel + VLSFO) aboard a pure car and truck carrier. Over six months the trial monitored fuel, lubricants and engine/fuel system components to assess long-term operational impacts. Major findings: engines operated normally, no excessive wear detected, fuel remained within ISO 8217 limits despite a rise in acid value, and no microbial growth was found. The project produced a practical monitoring framework and a customised data-log template which is publicly available.

Key Points

Project LOTUS tested continuous B24 use aboard a PCTC over a six-month period, with main engines running ~2,888 hours and generators ~1,813 hours.
Extensive laboratory testing: 94 fuel and 91 lubricating oil samples analysed; detailed engine inspections at dry dock.
No excessive sludge, no abnormal fuel injection valve deposits, and no piston/liner wear beyond OEM specs were observed.
B24 acid value rose 2.5x after six months in storage but stayed within ISO 8217 specification; no microbial contamination detected.
OEMs confirmed engine and hardware compatibility with long-term B24 use when appropriate maintenance and handling practices are followed.
Operators interviewed use pragmatic, risk-based adaptations of existing VLSFO SOPs; alignment between operators, OEMs and class societies is still needed.
Project delivered a structured onboard monitoring framework and a pilot-tested data log template for biodiesel operations, now publicly available.

Content Summary

Launched on 9 May 2024 with NYK Line, Project LOTUS filled a major evidence gap on the extended use of biodiesel blends in commercial shipping. The trial combined real-world shipboard operation with laboratory analyses and post-trial engine inspections. Results indicate that continuous use of a B24 blend is operationally feasible without significant negative effects on engine performance or fuel system integrity, provided vessels adopt suitable maintenance and fuel-handling practices. The initiative also produced practical tools for systematic monitoring and data collection to spot anomalies early.

Context and Relevance

The study arrives as the IMO’s net-zero framework elevates biofuels as a near-term decarbonisation route. Greater biofuel blending can help shipowners reduce GFI penalties, meet compliance or generate tradable surplus units. Project LOTUS offers empirical evidence that can inform operators, OEMs and classification societies while wider uptake will require coordinated technical guidance and pragmatic operational standards. For the industry, the report lowers a key barrier to broader biodiesel adoption by supplying both data and a monitoring template.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you work in shipping, fuel procurement, ship operations or marine engineering, this is one to read — it actually tests biodiesel full-time and shows B24 can work in real operations without wrecking engines, as long as you follow sensible maintenance and fuel-handling routines. GCMD didn’t just talk theory: they ran the numbers, inspected kit and published a monitoring template you can use. Saves you the legwork and gives you evidence to make decisions.