Nippon Yuka Kogyo develops Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel fuel

In Japan, Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd., an NYK Group company specializing in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, announced the forthcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel fuel. 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. 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.