Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (“Nippon Yuka”), an NYK (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) Group company specializing in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, announced today the for thcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first* antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel fuel (“biofuel”). This new product will be available from August 10.
Biofuel is garnering increased attention in the maritime sector due to its production from a diverse range of raw materials, including grains and used cooking oil. This supports the transition toward lower-carbon and decarbonized vessel operations. However, compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidized, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.
“Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel,” NYK said.
When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidized fuel.
According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel. This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.
“The new product would be available from 10 August,”NYKsaid.
On January 29, 2024, NYK (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility in Chiba Prefecture. This facility will be used to test biofuels for maritime use, accelerating their practical application. The NYK Group companies Boltech Co., Ltd. and Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd. will also participate in the project. The facility will house a test engine where NYK will analyze the combustion of various biofuels. The goal is to assess the safety and potential of these biofuels as marine fuel and to shorten the time needed for their implementation in the shipping industry. The testing process is expected to take about three years.
