The first luxury yacht fuel?

Peninsula’s new HVO fuel offers a cleaner energy source for yacht owners – and can improve your onboard experience as well as the planet

CLAUDIO POGGIO

When you think about burning fuel, “luxury” probably isn’t the first word that springs to mind. But what if there is such a thing as luxury fuel?

Global fuel supplier Peninsula has launched a new alternative to conventional superyacht diesel. BFuture is the brand’s yacht-specific supplier of premium hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel. A prominent topic of conversation in the yachting and automotive industries in recent years, HVO fuel is now widely recognised – a low-carbon, low-emission alternative to conventional diesel derived from vegetable oil, with up to 90 per cent fewer emissions than its traditional counterpart. BOAT caught up with Peninsula’s head of yacht service, Chris Warde and sustainable marine fuel specialist Nikolas Nikolaidis to discover what BFuture is offering the yachting industry, and why it could be the best possible fuel your superyacht can burn.

Faster and more efficient yachts

Whilst the list of HVO fuel’s all-important benefits to the environment have been a hot topic in recent years, many of its tangible advantages on vessel performance have been overlooked.

With a higher energy content per metric tonne and an elevated cetane number, HVO fuel facilitates more complete combustion, ultimately translating to heightened efficiency and increased power output for the yacht.

Additionally, its cooling properties enable the yacht to operate at lower temperatures, thus reducing strain on vital components and potentially minimising maintenance requirements for the crew. Furthermore, its extended storage lifespan of at least 15 years empowers owners to buy in bulk quantities, ensuring long-term fuel-cost security and operational continuity.

These aspects collectively position HVO fuel as not only an environmentally conscious choice but also a strategic investment in a superyacht’s longevity and performance.

“With HVO, you are getting an extremely clean, high-energy fuel – arguably more so than typical low-sulphur diesel,” explains Nikolaidis.

“When you ask someone what they associate with a high-quality fuel and a low-quality fuel, it’s the energy content, and when you compare BFuture HVO fuel to a high-end racing fuel, it has a very high energy content.”

Transforming the guest experience

Nobody likes the thought of swimming in polluted water, but this isn’t an unfamiliar issue for superyacht owners and guests with boats running on conventional diesel. However, the adoption of HVO fuel heralds a welcome change, offering a 35 per cent reduction in exhaust smoke and ensuring a clean filter.

This shift fosters a more enjoyable experience when swimming and using water toys and alleviates concerns about inhaling harmful emissions or being surrounded by gasoline fumes. The assurance of running on clean fuel not only grants owners peace of mind but also enhances a yacht’s appeal in the competitive charter market.

“It is not uncommon to see a black shadow on the hull side coming down the aft end or even black marks sitting on the hull and an oily film on the water when burning conventional diesel,” notes Warde.

“Obviously, the 35 per cent reduction in exhaust fumes will reduce the staining of the hull and of small oily slips coming around the swim platform, so the guest experience is much nicer.”

A seamless transition

Embracing the benefits of HVO fuel not only demonstrates a commitment to environmentally responsible yachting, but it’s also a practical decision for onboard operations.

With most major superyacht engine manufacturers endorsing its use, chief engineers can rest assured knowing that HVO fuel’s identical molecular structure to conventional diesel allows for gradual incorporation.

For example, rather than switching immediately to 100 per cent HVO fuel, engineers can opt for a blended ratio, such as 20 per cent HVO and 80 per cent diesel, allowing for a simple transition. This adaptability means that if you are cruising in an area where HVO availability is limited, switching back to conventional diesel poses no logistical challenges.

“The beauty is you have got the flexibility,” highlights Warde.

“So, even if you want to just dip your toe into it and have a bit of super juice in your fuel, you can start with a blend of HVO and, if you decide to go for it, then you can go 100 per cent.”

Join the future of yachting

Using HVO fuel results in a 35 per cent decrease in exhaust smoke for a cleaner yachting experience. BFuture’s second-generation HVO fuel is also more sustainable than similar alternative fuels on the market as it’s derived from second- generation feedstocks

Peninsula’s BFuture sets a new standard in the realm of HVO fuel, as explained by Nikolaidis. “You have different variations of HVO. BFuture HVO will be derived from second-generation feedstocks [waste and residues] that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 90 per cent. But you can also find first-generation HVO fuel on the market, which is less sustainable.”

Through this commitment to using cleaner feedstocks, BFuture is not only a more efficient and responsible fuel solution for the superyacht industry, but offers owners a premium alternative that enables them to burn the cleanest possible fuel currently available on the market.