ExxonMobil and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Complete Their First Sea Trial of Biofuel Blend Made from FAME Distillation Residue

June 25, 2026

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(ExxonMobil) First ExxonMobil Sea trial of bio marine fuel blend using FAME Distillation Residue; A cost-effective fuel pathway to reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions vs conventional marine fuel

ExxonMobil has successfully supplied a B30 0.50% sulphur marine residual fuel blend (B30 VLSFO), made using fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) Distillation Residue, to Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The bio marine fuel blend was bunkered by the vehicle carrier Titus in Zeebrugge ahead of the sea trial, marking a significant milestone in ExxonMobil’s journey towards supplying the marine industry with lower GHG emission fuels.

The B30 VLSFO fuel meets the RMG380 residual fuel oil classification and complies with ISO 8217:2017 with the exception of the bio blend component. It shares similar drop-in properties to a B30 VLSFO made with FAME produced from used cooking oil (UCOME).

The fuel has the potential to reduce lifecycle GHG emissions compared to conventional fuels.1 Importantly, marine fuels made with FAME Distillation Residue have a major advantage over FAME itself, as there is currently no competition for this material from other transport sectors. Additionally, when compared to FAME in VLSFO blends, several key properties of the FAME Distillation Residue are closer to the VLSFO component, such as density and viscosity. This is beneficial as users will see a lower reduction in viscosity than that of a FAME in VLSFO blend, which makes it comparatively easier to handle onboard ships. Further, extensive lab testing2 has shown good compatibility between petroleum-based VLSFOs and this B30 VLSFO made with FAME Distillation Residue.

The sea trial was successfully completed with no operational concerns.3 The B30 VLSFO batch was bunkered without issue. The onboard storage and handling of B30 VLSFO did not result in any filtration or purification issues. Engine performance remained stable, as confirmed by comparing key parameters recorded in the performance and condition monitoring reports before, during and after the trial.

“This successful sea trial highlights a practical, cost-effective pathway for customers to reduce their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational performance. By leveraging FAME Distillation Residue, ExxonMobil can offer a drop-in solution that supports compliance with evolving EU regulations and helps operators advance their lower GHG emission goals confidence,” said Gideon Simmelink, Account Manager Marine Fuels, ExxonMobil.

“Wallenius Wilhelmsen has a long-standing collaboration with ExxonMobil. This trial supports our efforts to assess new fuel options and advance our decarbonization ambitions,” said Kari Haugen, Senior Manager Energy Sourcing, Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

Subject to regional availability, ExxonMobil offers a range of bio marine fuel blends (Bio VLSFO, Bio ULSFO, Bio MGO and Bio HSFO), which we have supplied into the ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) region (VLSFO and USLFO), the UK (MGO and HSFO) and Singapore (VLSFO).

These solutions are designed to help meet the diverse needs of the shipping industry while helping support GHG emission reductions. Always consult with engine manufacturers as OEMs may limit bio blend percentages or specific bio components for certain engine designs.

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Benefit compared with conventional petroleum-based liquid marine fuels, calculated on an energy basis. Estimated well-to-wake CO2 emissions reduction calculated using Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (“RED III”), amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (“RED II”), including Annex V Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001/EU Annex V) (“RED II”). Actual results and lifecycle GHG emissions reduction can vary with each batch and will depend on factors such as the specific feedstock and production process.
The testing was performed in a third-party laboratory in the USA.
Testimonial in this material is by a real customer of ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil makes no representation that your experience will be similar or identical to that of the customer in this testimonial. Actual results may depend on factors such as equipment used, its maintenance, operating conditions and fuel previously used.

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