B30 biodiesel usage to be introduced in stages in FGV’s fleet operations. 
Successful test outcome ties in with launch of EcoTruck campaign. 
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 December 2014

Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV), the world’s largest producer of Crude Palm Oil (CPO), has achieved a breakthrough in the manufacture and usage of renewable fuels when it became the first company in Malaysia to successfully test one of its tankers running on B30 biodiesel.

The B30 blend, comprising 30% of palm oil-based Methyl Ester (PME) with 70% of diesel fuel, represents a substantial decrease in the amount of diesel fuel normally used by commercial transport vehicles. In addition to the potential savings generated by the reduced consumption of diesel, B30 also reduces FGV’s dependence on fossil fuels and strengthens the element of sustainability in all of its logistics operations.

FGV’s Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah, said: “Our successful FGV B30 Project test, sourced from our own PME, on FGV palm oil tankers under realistic operational conditions is a highly significant development.”

“By substantially reducing the proportion of diesel needed to power commercial diesel vehicles, the successful outcome of this test carries commercial and sustainability implications, not only for FGV but for all commercial fleet operators in Malaysia.”

“After further testing has been completed, we plan to begin using B30 biodiesel in FGV’s fleet operations in stages in 2015,” he added.

The trial run, which was carried out on 4 December, involved three FGV tankers fuelled with B30 biodiesel driving from FGV’s transport depot in Gebeng, Kuantan to its palm oil mill in Bukit Sagu, Pahang. There, each tanker was loaded with 40 metric tonnes of CPO and then made the journey to FGV’s Kuantan Bulking Installation (KBI) where the CPO was safely off-loaded into KBI’s storage tanks before returning to the transport depot.

During the 1,200km trial run, various performance parameters on the truck, including exhaust emissions, fuel consumption, engine power output and engine performance, were constantly monitored. The testing team overseeing the trial run reported to be satisfied with the performance and handling of the three vehicles at all times during the test programme.

A second trial run covering 2,500km will soon be initiated by the test team, following which the results will be shared with MPOB and an accreditation agency for confirmation and validation.

Dato’ Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah stated: “Becoming the first Malaysian company to test a biodiesel blend that is more than four times higher than the B7 biodiesel currently mandated by the government, demonstrates our willingness to go above and beyond national standards. It also underlines FGV’s steadfast resolve to the implementation of sustainable activities in every facet of our operational activities.”

FGV’s commitment to sustainability is accentuated by the launch of its FGV EcoTrucks, a two-year campaign that will see two trucks fuelled with B30 up to B100 biodiesel travelling across Malaysia educating the public about climate change and how products such as biodiesel can make a difference. The EcoTrucks will disseminate information to the Malaysian public using state-of-the-art technology and edu-tainment tools with the aim to move audiences to action on the preservation of the planet, both now and in the future.

The campaign will be unveiled by YB Dato’ Razali Ibrahim, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, on Tuesday evening at an event themed “Fuelling The Future” which will be attended by corporate leaders, captains of industry and senior representatives of media companies. Maybank Bhd. and Mission Biofuels Sdn. Bhd. are sponsors for the campaign.

Dato’ Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah stated: “This initiative by FGV is being created for the education of Malaysian citizens. We want to build awareness and a sense of urgency on the effects of climate change and its consequences for Malaysia. We want Malaysians to become global citizens by taking action to make a real difference in their local communities.”

“FGV is determined to take the lead in demonstrating that incorporating sustainability in every aspect of its operations is the only way in addressing the needs of today’s global market whilst meeting our obligations as a globally responsible company,” he explained.

*** Ends ***

Find