Shell Malaysia Tests B100 Biodiesel with Konsortium PD's Scania Tankers

Shell Malaysia has embarked on a pioneering initiative by launching a pilot test featuring the inaugural deployment of two Scania Road tankers fueled exclusively by B100 biodiesel. Operated by Konsortium Port Dickson (KPD), these vehicles represent a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. With the backing of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC), the collaborative pilot test aims to assess the viability of B100 biodiesel as a sustainable alternative in the quest for lowered carbon footprints.

Heba Eltarifi, the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, emphasized the role of renewable fuels in achieving long-term decarbonization goals. While electrification remains a pivotal aspect of transportation decarbonization, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable options, such as biodiesel, can substantially diminish carbon emissions in vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. Notably, all Scania diesel vehicles available in Malaysia have been FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) prepared since 2019, enabling them to operate on biodiesel blends ranging from B10 to B100.

The FAME designation encompasses biodiesel derived from renewable sources, and Scania's commitment to preparing its vehicles for up to B100 is a noteworthy industry milestone. The ongoing pilot test involving the collaboration between Shell Malaysia, KPD, and Scania underscores the commitment to exploring sustainable alternatives for traditional fuels.

Shairan Huzani Husain, the Managing Director of Shell Malaysia, expressed the significance of this pilot test in the company's history. The deployment of two KPD Scania road tankers, each capable of carrying 35,000 and 47,000 liters of fuel, exclusively powered by B100 biodiesel, represents a strategic move towards realizing Shell Malaysia's net-zero ambition targets. The scalability potential of this initiative is viewed as a key factor in contributing to the broader sustainability goals of the company.

Richard Tee Chu Wong, the Managing Director of Konsortium Port Dickson, highlighted the essential role of emissions reduction across the entire value chain, particularly from vehicles. As a leading bulk petroleum carrier, KPD recognizes the importance of prioritizing carbon reduction goals, and the use of Scania trucks in this pilot test provides valuable insights into areas that require focus to achieve these targets effectively.

The collaboration between Shell Malaysia, Konsortium Port Dickson, and Scania in launching the B100 biodiesel pilot test represents a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable transportation. This innovative initiative not only demonstrates the practical application of renewable fuels but also serves as a benchmark for future endeavors in reducing carbon emissions within the transportation sector. As the industry explores alternative fuel sources, the successful outcomes of this pilot test could pave the way for broader adoption and contribute significantly to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.