Danish-Indian biofuel company MASH Makes‘ upgraded biofuel derived from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) has demonstrated readiness for marine use after completing final lab testing.

The results confirmed that the fuel meets marine fuel requirements without exhibiting the traditional problems historically associated with CNSL-based biofuel, it said in a press release last month.

CNSL has long been seen as a promising biofuel, but its use in shipping has been limited by problems such as poor blending and the risk of polymerisation.

These issues stem from CNSL’s traditional use as an industrial resin.

MASH Makes said its proprietary upgrading process has overcome these challenges, producing a fuel that is stable and clean burning.

The tested blend, 20% upgraded CNSL and 80% VLSFO, was evaluated at the FVTR GmbH facility in Germany using a marine-grade single-cylinder research engine.

The test showed clean combustion, no injector fouling, and stable performance across all engine loads.

“This result proves that with the right upgrading process, CNSL can become a serious contender in marine fuels,” Krishna Chakravarty, head of research and development at MASH Makes, said.