Floating tanks and biofuel logistics methods

Abstract

We provide technology for supplying biofuels as fuel for ships. [Solution] The method for logistically transporting marine biofuels includes transporting marine fuel, which is heavy oil or light oil, and biofuel recycled from waste oil, to a handling facility 10 by transport means 13, 14, and 15; storing the marine fuel and biofuel in a floating tank 100, which is a non-self-propelled floating body moored at the handling facility; mixing the marine fuel and biofuel stored in the floating tank to produce multiple types of marine biofuels; and supplying the marine biofuel from the floating tank to the object to be refueled 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a logistics method for marine biofuel and a floating tank.

Background Art

[0002] The momentum for using biofuels regenerated from waste cooking oil and the like as marine fuels is increasing toward a decarbonized society. However, the logistics for supplying biofuels as marine fuels to ships is still not fully developed.

[0003] Bunkering of a ship (the present ship) is generally carried out together with cargo handling after the ship docks or by a bunker barge (fuel supply ship) for offshore refueling of the present ship. However, since biofuels are used by blending with heavy oil or light oil, the logistics of existing marine fuels such as heavy oil and light oil cannot be directly utilized, which is a factor making it difficult to use biofuels as marine fuels.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a technology for supplying biofuels as marine fuels to offer to ships.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure includes transporting a marine fuel that is heavy oil or light oil and a biofuel regenerated from waste oil to a handling facility by a transport means, storing the marine fuel and the biofuel in a floating tank that is a non-self-propelled floating body moored to the handling facility, mixing the marine fuel and the biofuel stored in the floating tank to produce a marine biofuel of multiple oil types, and supplying the marine biofuel from the floating tank to a refueling target. It is a logistics method for marine biofuel.

[0006] According to this embodiment, it is possible to realize logistics for supplying marine biofuels, which are marine fuels mixed with biofuels, and promote the widespread adoption of biofuels.

[0007] According to this embodiment, the ship fuel and biofuel transported to the handling facility are stored in a floating tank, which is a non-self-propelled floating body moored at the handling facility. The ship fuel and biofuel are then mixed to produce multiple types of ship biofuels, thus the floating tank can be used as a floating production and supply facility for ship biofuels. By installing a floating tank at the handling facility in this way, a logistics system can be established to supply biofuels as ship biofuels to refueling targets.

[0008] The term "transportation means" as used in this specification and the claims may include vehicles or refueling vessels. This allows for the transport of ship fuel and biofuel, which are raw materials for ship biofuels, to handling facilities (including floating tanks) via land or sea transport.

[0009] The term "subject to refueling" as used in this specification and the claims may include ships and refueling vessels (bunker barges). This allows for direct refueling of a ship (main vessel) from a floating tank or refueling of a main vessel via a refueling vessel. The term "ship" as a "subject to refueling" is not limited to any particular type and may include, as examples, merchant ships (passenger ships, cargo ships), workboats (fishing boats, crane ships, etc.), government vessels (Self-Defense Force ships, Coast Guard ships, etc.), and leisure boats (yachts, motorboats, etc.). Furthermore, "ship" includes heavy machinery, generators, and other equipment and facilities mounted on them. Moreover, the term "subject to refueling" is not limited to ships and refueling vessels, and may also include, as examples, equipment and facilities on land that use marine biofuel as fuel.

[0010] The term "marine biofuel" as used in this specification and in the claims is not limited to its use, but may include, as an example, use as fuel for the self-propulsion of a ship, as fuel for equipment and machinery such as heavy machinery and generators installed on a ship, and as fuel for equipment and machinery used on land.

[0011] Producing the aforementioned multiple types of marine biofuels may include producing the marine biofuels by mixing the marine fuel and the biofuels in a blender or by mixing them in a tank provided in the floating tank.

[0012] According to this, marine biofuel can be easily produced by mixing marine fuel and biofuel in a predetermined mixing ratio using a blender. Furthermore, marine biofuel can be easily produced by mixing marine fuel and biofuel in a tank installed in a floating tank.

[0013] One embodiment described above may include connecting the transport means and the floating tank with a first oil supply channel to directly deliver the biofuel to the floating tank for storage.

[0014] According to this method, biofuels can be stored directly from the means of transport into floating tanks, enabling efficient supply of biofuels to floating tanks. Furthermore, this method eliminates the need to install biofuel storage tanks at handling facilities, allowing existing hazardous materials handling facilities to be utilized as biofuel supply bases. In other words, when supplying marine fuel from land to ships or refueling vessels, supply operations must be carried out at hazardous materials handling facilities as stipulated by fire safety regulations. Installing new biofuel storage tanks at such hazardous materials handling facilities, which serve as logistics infrastructure for supplying marine fuel, is not practical due to difficulties in securing land, etc. However, even in such cases, biofuels can be stored by mooring floating tanks, thus enabling the use of existing hazardous materials handling facilities as logistics infrastructure and biofuel supply bases.

[0015] One embodiment described above may include storing the biofuel from the transport means to an onshore fuel oil storage tank at the handling facility, and connecting the onshore fuel oil storage tank and the floating tank with a second oil supply channel to store the biofuel in the floating tank.

[0016] According to this, since biofuels can be stored in onshore fuel oil storage tanks at handling facilities, biofuels exceeding the storage capacity of floating tanks can be stored next to the floating tanks, making it possible to supply marine biofuels to large-scale demands such as those from large cargo ships.

[0017] In the aforementioned embodiment, supplying the ship biofuel to the object to be refueled may include towing the floating tank with a tugboat.

[0018] According to this, the floating tank can be moved to any location. Therefore, for example, it can be moved to supply fuel to a ship anchored at sea, to supply fuel to land by mooring to a quay far from the usual mooring location, or to supply fuel to the Japan Coast Guard, rescue vessels, etc. in times of emergency.

[0019] Supplying the ship biofuel to the object to be refueled may include connecting the floating tank and the object to be refueled with a third oil supply channel, and supplying the ship fuel stored in the floating tank and the biofuel, respectively.

[0020] According to this, ship fuel and biofuel stored in floating tanks can also be directly supplied to the refueling target via a third oil supply channel. In this case, for example, the ship fuel supplied to the refueling target via the third oil supply channel can be heavy oil. Then, heavy oil and biofuel can be directly supplied to the refueling target.

[0021] The floating tank may include a first floating tank moored to the handling facility and a second floating tank moored to the first floating tank.

[0022] According to this, the storage capacity of the floating tank can be expanded, and it can also meet the large-scale demand such as that of large cargo ships. Further, even when the quay area of the handling facility is small, the storage capacity of the floating tank can be expanded. Furthermore, according to the mooring environment, the layout of a plurality of floating tanks and the storage space can be freely changed.

[0023] In the above aspect, the floating tank includes a cashless payment device, and includes settlement by the settlement device.

[0024] According to this, it becomes possible to resell marine biofuel and improve the convenience for consumers.

[0025] [[ID=D12]]Another aspect of the present disclosure is a floating tank which is a non-self-propelled floating body moored to a handling facility, and includes a first tank for storing marine fuel which is heavy oil or light oil, a second tank for storing biofuel regenerated from waste oil, and a third tank for storing marine biofuel generated by mixing the marine fuel and the biofuel taken out from the first tank and the second tank.

[0026] According to this aspect, it is possible to realize a logistics for supplying marine biofuel in which biofuel is mixed with marine fuel, and promote the widespread use of biofuel.

[0027] According to this aspect, the marine fuel and biofuel transported to the handling facility are stored in a floating tank which is a non-self-propelled floating body moored to the handling facility, and the marine fuel and biofuel are mixed to generate marine biofuel of multiple oil types. Therefore, the floating tank can be used as an offshore production and supply facility for marine biofuel. With such a floating tank, it is possible to construct a logistics for supplying biofuel as marine biofuel to refueling objects.

[0028] The third tank may be constituted by a plurality of cargo tanks capable of storing the marine biofuel of multiple oil types respectively.

[0029] According to this, the floating tank can store multiple types of marine biofuels. The multiple types of marine biofuels can be set according to the combination of marine fuel (heavy oil or light oil) and biofuel and the difference in mixing ratio.

[0030] The plurality of cargo tanks can be one or more bio - heavy - oil fuel tanks for storing marine bio - heavy - oil fuel obtained by mixing the heavy oil and the biofuel, and one or more bio - light - oil fuel tanks for storing marine bio - light - oil fuel obtained by mixing the light oil and the biofuel.

[0031] According to this, bio - heavy - oil fuel and bio - light - oil fuel can be stored respectively, and the supply of marine biofuels according to various needs can be enabled.

[0032] Furthermore, the floating tank can be independent of the ground power source and can be equipped with a generator that supplies power to the equipment provided in the floating tank.

[0033] According to this, since it is equipped with a generator independent of the ground power source, it becomes possible to supply power to all equipment including pumps from the generator mounted on the floating tank. In this case, the fuel of the generator can use, for example, A heavy oil, light oil, and biofuel. By using biofuel, the operation of the floating tank can be realized with zero CO2 emissions. Furthermore, since the land power source is not used, even if the commercial power on land is cut off in an emergency, the marine biofuel can be stably supplied by the generator.

[0034] Furthermore, the floating tank can be equipped with a blender that mixes the marine fuel and the biofuel to produce marine biofuel.

[0035] According to this, the blender can easily produce marine biofuel by mixing the marine fuel and the biofuel at a predetermined mixing ratio.

[0036] Furthermore, the floating tank may include a first oil supply pipe extending from the first tank and equipped with a flow meter, and a second oil supply pipe extending from the second tank and equipped with a flow meter.

[0037] According to this, the flow rates of the ship fuel taken from the first tank and the biofuel taken from the second tank can be easily determined, making it possible to produce ship biofuel with a predetermined mixing ratio. Furthermore, even when supplying ship fuel and biofuel directly to the refueling target from the first and second tanks, respectively, the predetermined mixing ratio can be maintained by checking the flow meters in the first and second oil supply pipes.

[0038] The first tank and the second tank each have a fuel supply connection section for connecting a pipeline to a transport means for transporting ship fuel and biofuel to the handling facility and to the first tank or the second tank.

[0039] According to this, by connecting the means of transport and the oil supply line connection point with a pipeline, biofuel can be stored directly in a floating tank without passing through other storage tanks, thus enabling efficient logistics of biofuel to the floating tank. Furthermore, since there is no need to install biofuel storage tanks at handling facilities, for example, a general hazardous materials handling facility used as part of the existing ship fuel supply infrastructure can be utilized as a biofuel supply base.

[0040] Furthermore, the floating tank is equipped with a cashless payment device for making payments on the water. This makes it possible to sell marine biofuels on credit, thereby increasing convenience for consumers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] This disclosure can facilitate the supply of biofuels as marine fuel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates a comparison between a biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a conventional ship fuel logistics method. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a floating tank used in a biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing one modified example of supplying biofuel to a floating tank used in a biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how a floating tank is used according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the claims of the present disclosure, and not all of the configurations described in these embodiments are necessarily essential as solutions of the present disclosure.

[0044] In the following description, the terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used for explanatory purposes only and do not limit the method or manner of use. The terms "first" and "n" (where n is an integer) following "first" as described herein and in the claims are used as identifying terms to distinguish different elements and do not indicate any particular order or superiority.

[0045] The terms used in the following description are intended solely to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Components in any aspect described herein and in the claims are intended to include plural forms unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0046] The term "and / or" refers to and is intended to include any one or more of the related enumerated elements and all possible combinations thereof. For example, "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B." "A," "B," and "both A and B" each satisfy "A or B."

[0047] The terms “including” and “equipped with” as used herein and in the claims identify the presence of features, actions, elements, and steps. However, they are used in a manner that does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, elements, steps, and / or groups thereof.

[0048] All embodiments and optional embodiments included in this disclosure may be combined to form new embodiments. Furthermore, all technical features and optional technical features included in this disclosure can be combined to form new technical features.

[0049] 1. Overview of logistics methods for marine biofuels

[0050] An overview of a ship biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be explained with the use of drawings. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram comparing the ship biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of this disclosure with a conventional ship fuel logistics method. First, various terms will be explained.

[0051] Here, "marine biofuel" refers to a product produced by mixing marine fuel and biofuel. "Marine biofuel" can also be generally called biodiesel fuel. "Marine biofuel" includes marine biodiesel fuel and marine bioheavy fuel. "Marine fuel" refers to heavy oil or light oil, which are fossil fuels. "Biofuel" refers to recycled oil recovered from waste oil such as used cooking oil. Examples of raw materials for "waste oil" include used cooking oil (used vegetable oil) and animal fats, and examples of sources for "waste oil" include homes, commercial facilities (including restaurants), and factories, but are not limited to these. Examples of "biofuel" include hydrocarbon biofuels derived from oils and fats, such as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), but are not limited to these.

[0052] The term "marine biofuel" does not limit its uses, and may include, as examples, its use as fuel for self-propulsion of ships, as fuel for heavy machinery, generators and other equipment installed on ships, and as fuel for equipment and machinery used on land.

[0053] "Items to be refueled" include 11 ships (main vessels) and 15 refueling vessels (bunker barges), as well as land-based equipment and facilities that can use marine biofuels.

[0054] The term "ship" is not limited to any specific type and may include, as examples, merchant ships (passenger ships, cargo ships), workboats (fishing boats, crane ships, etc.), government vessels (Self-Defense Force ships, Coast Guard ships, etc.), and leisure boats (yachts, motorboats, etc.). Furthermore, "ship" includes heavy machinery, generators, and other equipment and facilities installed on them. Therefore, ship biofuels can also be supplied to the equipment and facilities on board these ships.

[0055] The logistics method for ship biofuels in this embodiment primarily involves establishing a logistics system for utilizing biofuels for ships. In this embodiment, as shown in the dashed-dotted frame A of Figure 1, ship biofuels are generated from biofuels and fossil fuels stored in a floating tank 100 moored at the handling facility 10, and the ship biofuels are supplied to the refueling vessel 15 and the refueling target vessel 11, which are designated as "refueling targets."

[0056] The handling facility 10 is a facility for supplying marine fuel and biofuel from land to the floating tank 100. Examples of handling facilities 10 include a general hazardous materials handling facility and a marine refueling facility. Domestic biofuel produced at a domestic biofuel plant 12 and imported biofuel imported from overseas can be transported to the handling facility 10 by vehicles 13, 14 or vessels such as refueling ships 15 as "means of transport". In addition, marine fuel to be mixed with biofuel is transported to the handling facility 10 by vehicles or vessels such as refueling ships (not shown). Marine fuel and biofuel can be transported to the handling facility 10 in any mode of transport, such as ISO tank containers, flexible bags, tank trucks, and drums.

[0057] If the handling facility 10 is a facility for repackaging ship fuel, etc., and does not have facilities and equipment including storage tanks (for example, if it is a general handling facility for hazardous materials established in accordance with fire-related laws and regulations), then the ship fuel and biofuel transported to the handling facility 10 can be directly delivered via pipelines from the means of transport (vehicles 13, 14, refueling vessel 18) to the floating tank 100, as shown in Figure 2. If the handling facility 10 is a fixed refueling facility including a storage tank or a facility with prescribed safety measures in place (for example, a ship refueling station established in accordance with fire-related laws and regulations), it may include both cases: directly supplying oil from the means of transport (vehicles 13, 14, refueling vessel 18) to the floating tank 100 via pipeline, as shown in Figure 2; and supplying oil from the means of transport (vehicles 13, 14, refueling vessel 18) to the onshore fuel oil storage tank 120 via pipeline, as shown in Figure 3, and then supplying oil from the onshore fuel oil storage tank 120 to the floating tank 100 via pipeline (second oil supply channel 121).

[0058] The floating tank 100 is a non-self-propelled floating vessel that does not have a self-propelled function. It is equipped with multiple tanks 100A capable of storing biofuels, heavy oil, light oil, and marine biofuels separately from each other (Figures 2 and 3). The floating tank 100 has the function of mixing biofuels with heavy oil or light oil to produce multiple types of marine biofuels and supplying them to refueling targets. In other words, the floating tank 100 functions as a floating production and supply facility for marine biofuels. A detailed explanation of the configuration of the floating tank 100 will be given later.

[0059] Bunkering to ships is generally carried out by tankers 18a and 18b transporting fuel from oil refineries 16 or oil depots 17 that produce heavy oil or light oil to the ships to be refueled 19a and 19b, as shown in the dashed-dotted frame B in Figure 1, or by performing refueling at sea, or in conjunction with cargo handling of the docked vessel.

[0060] In contrast, since biofuels need to be mixed with heavy oil or light oil before use, if marine biofuels are not produced at oil refineries 16, etc., the existing bunkering logistics for marine fuels mentioned above cannot be used, and therefore there is no logistics system that can effectively utilize biofuels as marine fuel. Furthermore, it is not realistic for domestic biofuel production plants (biofuel plants 12) to have bunkering capabilities, and it is also difficult to put imported biofuels into the existing bunkering logistics for marine fuels mentioned above, making it difficult to promote the widespread use of biofuels.

[0061] In contrast, this disclosure describes a logistics system for supplying biofuel as marine biofuel to refueling vessels 11 and refueling ships 15 by installing a floating tank 100, which functions as a floating production and supply facility for marine biofuel, at the handling facility 10. The floating tank 100 has the function of isolating and storing biofuel, heavy oil, and light oil, which are the raw materials for marine biofuel; the function of mixing these raw materials to produce marine biofuel with a desired biofuel content; and the function of isolating and storing the produced marine biofuel and supplying it to the refueling targets. This will enable the construction of a logistics scheme for supplying biofuel as marine biofuel to refueling targets, thereby promoting the widespread adoption of biofuel.

[0062] 2. Configuration of the floating tank

[0063] Next, the configuration of the floating system used in the shipborne biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the floating tank used in the biofuel logistics method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing one modified example of supplying biofuel to the floating tank.

[0064] The floating tank 100 is a non-self-propelled floating vessel. For example, the floating tank 100 is equipped with a tank 100A, a storage area, a cabin (living quarters), a generator, pumps, etc., on its hull. For example, the tank 100A and storage area are installed inside the hull, while the cabin, generator, pumps, etc., are installed on the deck of the hull. The structure of the floating tank 100 and the types and arrangement of heavy machinery it carries are not limited to those described above. The floating tank 100 is not limited to a non-self-propelled type; it may also be a self-propelled type equipped with an engine, shaft, propeller, rudder, etc. In the case of a non-self-propelled type, the structure is simpler than that of a self-propelled type, allowing for more storage space inside the hull relative to the size of the hull, and allowing for relatively low-cost expansion. In this respect, it is suitable for operation where it is moored to the handling facility 10 during peacetime. In the case of a self-propelled type, it is easy to move on the water, allowing for agile and easy bunkering by mooring alongside a vessel at sea.

[0065] Tank 100A of the floating tank 100 includes a biofuel tank 101, a biodiesel fuel tank 102, a bioheavy fuel tank 103, a heavy oil tank 104, and a diesel fuel tank 105. Furthermore, the floating tank 100 may be equipped with a blender 106 and a generator 107. Tank 100A may consist of cargo tanks capable of isolating and storing each fuel oil, but other types of tanks such as private tanks and slop tanks (waste oil tanks and temporary storage tanks) may also be used. The arrangement and number of biofuel tanks 101 etc. shown in Figure 2 are illustrative examples, and other arrangements and numbers may be used.

[0066] Biofuel tank 101:The biofuel tank 101 functions as a "second tank" for storing biofuels such as FAME and HVO, and for this purpose, one or more biofuel tanks 101 can be installed in the floating tank 100. Biofuel BF1 and BF2 can be directly supplied to the biofuel tank 101 from vehicles 13 and 14 parked at the handling facility 10 via a first oil supply channel 108 consisting of hoses, pumps, etc. For this purpose, the biofuel tank 101 is equipped with an oil inlet 101a as an "oil supply channel connection part" for connecting to the first oil supply channel 108. This makes it possible to smoothly and easily supply biofuel from land to the floating tank 100 on the water. The stored biofuels can accept both domestically produced biofuel BF1 produced at a domestic biofuel plant 12 and imported biofuel BF2, and these can be received in various forms such as ISO tank containers, flexible bags, tank trucks, and drums, depending on the mode of transport. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the biofuels BF1 and BF2 in drum form, but this is merely an example of their form and is not intended to limit them to drums. They can also be understood as ISO tank containers, flexible bags, tank trucks, etc.

[0067] The supply of biofuels BF1 and BF2 from vehicles 13 and 14 is not limited to direct delivery via the first oil supply channel 108 shown in Figure 2. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the biofuels BF1 and BF2 transported by vehicles 13 and 14 may be stored in a land-based fuel oil storage tank 120 installed at the handling facility 10, and the biofuels stored in the land-based fuel oil storage tank 120 may be supplied to the biofuel tank 101 via the second oil supply channel 121 as needed. In this way, the logistics method for ship biofuels via the floating tank 100 can also be applied to handling facilities 10 such as ship refueling stations equipped with fuel storage facilities such as land-based fuel oil storage tanks 120.

[0068] Heavy oil tank 104:The heavy oil tank 104 functions as a "first tank" for storing heavy oil to be mixed with biofuel. For this purpose, one or more heavy oil tanks 104 may be installed in the floating tank 100. If multiple tanks are installed, two or more may be installed, for example, to allow separate storage of A heavy oil and C heavy oil, or to increase the storage capacity of one type of oil. The heavy oil tank 104 can store heavy oil such as low viscosity A heavy oil such as LSA (Low Sulfur A Fuel Oil) and HSA (High Sulfur A Fuel Oil), or high viscosity C heavy oil.

[0069] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heavy oil tank 104 can be supplied with heavy oil transported by a tanker ship 18 from an oil refinery 16 or oil depot 17, and can also receive and store heavy oil transported by land by vehicle. Storage in drums or the like in a floating tank 100 can also be included in the storage by the heavy oil tank 104. The heavy oil stored in the heavy oil tank 104 can be supplied by flowing it through a hose or shipped in drums or the like. The heavy oil tank 104 is provided with an oil supply port 104a that serves as an "oil supply connection part," and heavy oil can be injected from a tanker ship 18 or vehicle via an oil supply pipe such as a hose or pipe.

[0070] Diesel fuel tank 105: The diesel fuel tank 105 functions as a "first tank" for storing diesel fuel to be mixed with biofuel. For this purpose, one or more diesel fuel tanks 105 may be installed in the floating tank 100. If multiple tanks are installed, two or more may be installed, for example, to allow separate storage of diesel fuels with different pour points, or to increase the storage capacity of one type of fuel. The diesel fuel tank 105 can store, for example, any of the diesel fuels of Special Grade 1, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, or Special Grade 3.

[0071] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diesel fuel tank 105 can be supplied with diesel fuel transported by a fuel tanker 18 from an oil refinery 16 or oil depot 17, and can also receive and store diesel fuel transported by land by vehicle. Storage in drums or the like in a floating tank 100 is also included in the storage provided by the diesel fuel tank 105. Diesel fuel stored in the diesel fuel tank 105 can be supplied by flowing it through a hose or shipped in drums or the like. The diesel fuel tank 105 is provided with a fuel inlet 105a, which serves as a "fuel supply connection point," allowing diesel fuel to be injected from a fuel tanker 18 or vehicle via a fuel supply pipe such as a hose or pipe.

[0072] Biodiesel fuel tank 102: The biodiesel fuel tank 102 functions as a "third tank" for storing marine biodiesel fuel as "marine biofuel." For this purpose, one or more biodiesel fuel tanks 102 may be installed in the floating tank 100. If multiple tanks are installed, two or more may be installed, for example, to enable the storage of different types of marine biodiesel fuel depending on the biofuel content and the type of diesel fuel to be mixed, or to increase the storage amount of one type of fuel.

[0073] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, biofuel is injected into the biofuel fuel tank 102 via a biofuel supply pipe 109 that connects the biofuel tank 101 and the biofuel fuel tank 102. Similarly, diesel fuel from the diesel fuel tank 105 is injected into the biofuel fuel tank 102 via a diesel fuel supply pipe 110. The biofuel supply pipe 109 and the diesel fuel supply pipe 110 are equipped with pumps, valves, flow meters, etc. (not shown), which allow for the start and stop of supply and adjustment of the flow rate. The rectangular shapes on the primary side of the biofuel supply pipe 109 and the diesel fuel supply pipe 110 are the fuel inlets for the biofuel tank 101 and the diesel fuel tank 105, respectively, while the rectangular shapes on the secondary side are oil outlets connected to the blender 106.

[0074] The biodiesel fuel tank 102 is equipped with a ship biodiesel fuel supply unit 111 that supplies ship biodiesel fuel to the vessel to be refueled 11, etc. The rectangular shape on the primary side of the ship biodiesel fuel supply unit 111 is the fuel inlet of the biodiesel fuel tank 102, and its secondary side is connected to the fuel inlet of the vessel to be refueled 11, etc. The ship biodiesel fuel supply unit 111 is equipped with a flow meter 112 that can measure the flow rate of ship biodiesel fuel. Therefore, the ship biodiesel fuel supply unit 111 can supply the desired amount of ship biodiesel fuel to the refueling ship 15 or the vessel to be refueled 11.

[0075] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the biodiesel fuel tank 102 may be equipped with a blender 106 that mixes diesel fuel and biofuel to produce marine biodiesel fuel. The blender 106 has the function of automatically mixing diesel fuel and biofuel in a predetermined ratio while adjusting the flow rates of the diesel fuel and biofuel to be mixed into the biodiesel fuel tank 102. As an example, the blender 106 is prepared so that the biofuel content in the marine biodiesel fuel is 5% or less. The marine biodiesel fuel produced by the blender 106 is injected into the biodiesel fuel tank 102 through the filler port 102a of the biodiesel fuel tank 102 and stored.

[0076] By providing the blender 106 in this way, it is possible to mix diesel fuel and biofuel in large quantities, accurately and stably, at any desired mixing ratio, thereby easily producing marine biofuel of stable quality.

[0077] Bio-fuel oil tank 103: The bio-heavy oil fuel tank 103 functions as a "third tank" for storing marine bio-heavy oil fuel as a marine biofuel. For this purpose, one or more bio-heavy oil fuel tanks 103 may be installed in the floating tank 100. When multiple tanks are installed, two or more tanks may be installed, for example, to allow separate storage depending on the biofuel content and the type of heavy oil to be mixed, or to increase the storage amount of one type of oil.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, biofuel is injected into the biofuel fuel tank 103 via a biofuel supply pipe 113 (first supply pipe) that connects the biofuel tank 101 and the biofuel fuel tank 103. The biofuel supply pipe 113 is equipped with a flow meter 114 capable of measuring the flow rate of the biofuel.

[0079] Heavy oil from the heavy oil tank 104 is injected into the bio-fuel fuel tank 103 via a heavy oil supply pipe 115 (second supply pipe) extending from the heavy oil tank 104. The heavy oil supply pipe 115 is equipped with a flow meter 116 capable of measuring the flow rate of heavy oil. The bio-fuel supply pipe 113 and the heavy oil supply pipe 115 are equipped with pumps, valves, etc. (not shown), which allow for the start and stop of supply and adjustment of the flow rate. The rectangular shapes on the primary side of the bio-fuel supply pipe 113 and the heavy oil supply pipe 115 are the oil inlets for the bio-fuel tank 101 and the heavy oil tank 104, respectively, while the rectangular shape on the secondary side is the oil outlet connected to the oil inlet (not shown) of the bio-fuel fuel tank 103.

[0080] By installing flow meters 114 and 116 in this manner, the flow rates of heavy oil extracted from the heavy oil tank 104 and biofuel extracted from the biofuel tank 101 can be easily determined. Therefore, it is possible to easily produce marine bio-heavy oil fuel with a desired mixing ratio. For example, multiple types of marine biofuels B5, B10, B15, B20, and B24 can be produced with biofuel content of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 24%.

[0081] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a configuration in which the oil outlets of the biofuel oil supply pipe 113 and the heavy oil oil supply pipe 115 are connected to the filling port of the bio-heavy oil fuel tank 103. In this case, the biofuel and heavy oil are mixed inside the bio-heavy oil fuel tank 103 to produce marine bio-heavy oil fuel. Alternatively, similar to the production of marine bio-light oil fuel, a blender 106 may be installed and connected to the oil outlets of the biofuel oil supply pipe 113 and the heavy oil oil supply pipe 115. In this case, the biofuel and heavy oil are mixed by the blender 106 to produce marine bio-heavy oil fuel, which is then sent to the bio-heavy oil fuel tank 103. In this case, flow meters 114 and 116 are not necessarily required.

[0082] The bio-heavy fuel tank 103 is equipped with a ship bio-heavy fuel supply unit 117 that supplies ship bio-heavy fuel to the vessel to be refueled 11, etc. The rectangular shape on the primary side of the ship bio-heavy fuel supply unit 117 is the fuel inlet of the bio-heavy fuel tank 103, and its secondary side is connected to the fuel inlet of the vessel to be refueled 11, etc. The ship bio-heavy fuel supply unit 117 is equipped with a flow meter 118 that can measure the flow rate of ship bio-heavy fuel. Therefore, the ship bio-heavy fuel supply unit 117 can supply the desired amount of ship bio-heavy fuel to the refueling vessel 15 or the vessel to be refueled 11.

[0083] The supply of marine bio-heavy oil fuel to the vessel to be refueled 11 is not limited to the method of supplying the bio-heavy oil fuel stored in the bio-heavy oil fuel tank 103 to the vessel to be refueled 11. For example, a predetermined flow rate of bio-fuel and heavy oil may be directly supplied to the vessel to be refueled 11 or the refueling ship 15 from the bio-fuel tank 101 and the heavy oil tank 104, respectively. Alternatively, a predetermined amount of bio-fuel may be directly supplied from the bio-fuel tank 101 to the vessel to be refueled 11 which is loaded with a predetermined amount of heavy oil. With these methods, it is not necessary to install and stock individual tanks for each of the multiple types of marine bio-heavy oil fuel with different mixing ratios in the floating tank 100. Therefore, the type of fuel that meets the customer's needs can be combined and supplied on the spot, and there is no need to enlarge the floating tank 100 by installing individual tanks, and the capacity of the individual tanks of the floating tank 100 (biofuel tank 101, bio-diesel fuel tank 102, heavy oil tank 104, diesel tank 105) can be increased by not installing individual tanks.

[0084] Generator 107: The generator 107 has the function of supplying power to equipment such as pumps and flow meters installed in the floating tank 100. The generator 107 is a power generation device that can generate electricity using either biofuel stored in the biofuel tank 101, heavy oil stored in the heavy oil tank 104, or light oil stored in the light oil tank 105 as fuel, and is independent of the land power supply. In this way, the floating tank 100 does not need to use land power, so even if the commercial power supply on land is cut off in the event of an emergency such as a disaster, it can continue to supply marine biofuel to the vessels to be refueled 11 and the refueling vessel 15. Furthermore, in such an emergency, it becomes possible to supply marine biofuel to the Japan Coast Guard and rescue vessels, etc. In particular, since the generator 107 generates electricity using biofuel as fuel, it is preferable to use biofuel as fuel because it contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

[0085] Towing of a 100-liter floating tank: The hull of the Floating Tank 100, as an example, has a length of 20m, a width of 8m, a height of 2m, and a volume of 160m³. 3It is formed to the size of a floating tank 100. In other words, the hull of the floating tank 100 is sized to be towable by a tugboat 20. Therefore, although the floating tank 100 is not self-propelled, it can be easily moved to any location by a tugboat 20. Thus, for example, it can be used to supply fuel to a vessel 11 to be refueled that is anchored at sea, to supply fuel to land by mooring it at a quay located away from the usual mooring place, or to supply fuel to the Japan Coast Guard, rescue vessels, etc. in times of emergency.

[0086] Expansion of Floating Tank 100: Since the floating tank 100 can be moved by the tugboat 20, it is possible to expand the storage and production capacity of ship biofuel by installing multiple floating tanks 100.

[0087] As shown in Figure 4 as an example, a second floating tank 200 can be moored to a floating tank 100 moored to the handling facility 10. In this case, the arrangement of tanks 100A and 200A in the adjacent floating tanks 100 and 200, as well as the stored goods, may be changed as needed. In addition to the second floating tank 200, any number of third, fourth, or more floating tanks can also be installed. Figure 4 shows an example where the second floating tank 200 is installed along the side of floating tank 100, but they may also be installed in front of or behind it.

[0088] The tank 200A of the second floating tank 200 includes a second biofuel tank 201, a second biodiesel fuel tank 202, and a second bioheavy oil fuel tank 203, as shown exemplarily in Figure 4. These tanks and the biofuel tank 101, biodiesel fuel tank 102, and bioheavy oil fuel tank 103 of the floating tank 100 can be supplied with oil via oil supply pipes (shown as solid lines in Figure 4) and pumps (not shown), respectively. The configuration of the second floating tank 200 and the configuration, number, and arrangement of tanks 200A are not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 4, and other configurations are also possible.

[0089] In this way, by installing multiple floating tanks 100 and 200, the storage capacity of various raw materials and fuel oils can be easily increased, making it possible to meet large-scale demands such as those from large cargo ships. Furthermore, even if the quay area of ​​the handling facility 10 is small, the storage capacity can be expanded by installing multiple floating tanks 100 and 200 alongside the ship. In other words, the storage capacity can be expanded without increasing the quay area. In addition, the layout of the multiple floating tanks 100 and 200 and the storage space can be easily changed according to the mooring environment.

[0090] The floating tank 100 may be equipped with a cashless payment device for making payments on the water. Examples of cashless payment devices include a POS (Point of Sales) system and a contactless IC reader. By providing a cashless payment device, users of the refueling vessel 11 can make cashless payments after refueling using their smartphones or other terminal devices, which enables credit sales of marine biofuel and improves convenience for consumers.

[0091] 3. Operation and Effects of the Embodiments

[0092] Next, a method for transporting marine biofuels and the operation and effects of a floating tank 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0093] The logistics method for ship biofuels in this embodiment involves isolating and storing different types of raw oils to produce ship biofuels with a desired biofuel content, and then mooring a floating tank at the handling facility 10 that can supply the ship biofuels to the vessels to be refueled. As a result, ship biofuels with a desired biofuel content can be efficiently produced from biofuels, heavy oil, and light oil transported to the handling facility 10 by various means of transport and supplied to the vessels to be refueled 11. This establishes a logistics scheme that enables the effective utilization of biofuels as ship fuel.

[0094] The floating tank 100 is equipped with multiple tanks 100A capable of isolating their contents from each other. Therefore, it can store and supply multiple types of fuel, including biofuels, heavy oil, light oil, and marine biofuels that are mixed products thereof, in isolation. For this reason, the floating tank 100 can be used as a floating production base, storage base, and supply base for marine biofuels. Furthermore, it can also be used as a storage base and supply base for biofuels, heavy oil, and light oil.

[0095] The floating tank 100 is equipped with a blender 106 and flow meters 114, 116, 112, and 118, allowing it to manage the flow rates of biofuel, heavy oil, and light oil, produce marine biofuel with the desired mixing ratio, and supply it to the refueling target. Therefore, it is possible to easily supply various marine biofuels (B5, B10, B15, B20, B24, etc.) with mixing ratios that meet customer requirements. In particular, for marine bio-heavy oil fuel, the biofuel can be directly supplied by connecting the biofuel supply pipe 113 to the refueling target, and the heavy oil supply pipe 115 can be directly supplied by connecting the heavy oil supply pipe 115 to the refueling target. As a result, there is no need to set up separate tanks for each type of marine bio-heavy oil fuel with different mixing ratios and stock them in the floating tank 100. Therefore, marine bio-heavy oil fuel that meets customer needs can be supplied each time without having to set up separate tanks for each type of oil with different mixing ratios.

[0096] According to the above logistics method, a logistics scheme can be established at a relatively low cost that can efficiently supply marine biofuel containing FAME, which has a cost advantage as a biofuel, to refueling targets. This will enable the manufacture and sale of even lower-cost marine biofuels by mixing domestically produced or imported FAME with heavy oil or light oil, thereby expanding the sales route for supplying marine biofuels to refueling targets 11 of customers such as shipping companies, and promoting the widespread adoption of biofuels.

[0097] The floating tank 100 can be installed on the water in a port area, the lower reaches of a river, a lake, or other body of water. This makes it possible to easily establish a production base, storage base, and supply base for marine biofuels on the water, even if there is not enough space on land, such as in the hinterland of the handling facility 10.

[0098] Since the floating tank 100 can be easily transported to a desired location by a tugboat 20, it is possible to diversify the variations in the logistics of marine biofuels at sea and on the water, such as supplying fuel to a refueling target vessel 11 that is anchored at sea, or supplying fuel to a location away from the usual mooring place. As the floating tank 100 is a non-self-propelled floating body, it is not treated as a vessel and is therefore not under the jurisdiction of the Japan Coast Guard, thus reducing the impact of legal regulations and allowing for relatively free at-sea refueling of target vessels.

[0099] Although each embodiment of this disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novelty and effects of this disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0100] For example, any term that appears at least once in the specification or drawings alongside a broader or synonymous term may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configuration and operation of the floating tank are not limited to those described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 10. Handling facilities 11. Vessels to be refueled (and the goods to be refueled) 12 Biofuel Plants 13. Vehicles (means of transport) 14. Vehicles (means of transport) 15. Fueling vessels (items to be fueled) 16. Oil refinery 17 Oil depot 18. Fueling ship 18a Fueling ship 18b Fueling ship 19a Vessels to be refueled (items to be refueled) 19b Vessels to be refueled (and the goods to be refueled) 20 tugboat 100 Floating Tanks 100A Tank 101 Biofuel Tank 101a Oil filling port (oil supply passage connection) 102 Biodiesel Fuel Tank 103 Bio-fuel oil fuel tank 104 Heavy oil tanks 104a Oil filling port (oil supply passage connection) 105 Diesel fuel tank 105a Oil filling port (oil supply passage connection) 106 Blender 107 Generator 108 First oil supply channel 109 Biofuel oil supply pipeline 110 Diesel fuel supply pipe 111 Marine Biodiesel Fuel Supply Department 112 Flow meter 113 Biofuel oil supply pipeline (first oil supply pipeline) 114 Flow meter 115 Heavy oil oil pipe 116 Flow meter 117 Marine Bio-Heavy Fuel Supply Department 118 Flow meter 120 Land-based fuel oil storage tanks 121 Second oil supply channel 200 Second floating tank 201 Second biofuel tank 202 Second biodiesel fuel tank 203 Second bio-heavy oil fuel tank BF1 Biofuel (Domestically Produced) BF2 Biofuel (Imported) B5 Marine Biofuels B10 Marine Biofuel B15 Marine Biofuel B20 Marine Biofuel B24 Marine Biofuel

Claims

1. A floating tank installed on the water with the quay of a land-based handling facility as a permanent mooring place, for use in logistics to supply biofuel recycled from waste oil received on land or from the water at the mooring place to a ship or refueling vessel on the water, The floating tank has a hull, The hull is a non-self-propelled floating vessel that does not have a self-propelled function, and is movable from the mooring place by being towed by a tugboat, and is capable of supplying the biofuel, marine fuel which is heavy oil or light oil, and marine biofuel produced by mixing the biofuel and the marine fuel in the hull to the vessel or the refueling vessel moored alongside the hull at the mooring place and on the water away from the mooring place. The interior of the hull is equipped with multiple tanks capable of isolating and storing multiple types of fuel oil, including the biofuel. The hull is equipped with a generator that is independent of the ground power supply and generates electricity using the fuel oil stored in the tank to supply power to the equipment mounted on the hull. The equipment includes a pump, which supplies the fuel oil stored in the tank to the vessel or refueling vessel moored alongside the hull on the water. Floating tank.

2. The tank comprises one or more bio-heavy fuel tanks for storing marine bio-heavy fuel, which is a mixture of heavy oil and the biofuel, and one or more bio-light fuel tanks for storing marine bio-light fuel, which is a mixture of light oil and the biofuel. A floating tank according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, the floating tank is equipped with a blender that mixes marine fuel, which is heavy oil or light oil, with the biofuel to produce marine biofuel. A floating tank according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, the floating tank is A first oil supply pipe extending from a first tank for storing ship fuel, which is heavy oil or light oil, and equipped with a flow meter, The system includes a second oil supply pipe extending from a second tank for storing the biofuel and equipped with a flow meter, A floating tank according to claim 1.

5. The first tank and the second tank each have a fuel supply connection section for connecting a pipeline to a vehicle or ship that transports the biofuel for storage in the floating tank to the first tank or the second tank. The floating tank according to claim 4.

6. The floating tank includes a first floating tank moored at the mooring location and a second floating tank moored to the first floating tank. A floating tank according to claim 1.

7. The floating tank is equipped with a cashless payment device and is configured to allow payment via the cashless payment device. A floating tank according to claim 1.

8. A method for transporting biofuels using a floating tank as described in claim 1, The biofuel stored in the floating tank is supplied from the floating tank to the ship or the refueling vessel. Methods for logistical distribution of biofuels.

9. This includes supplying marine fuel, such as heavy oil or light oil, from the floating tank to the ship or the refueling vessel. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

10. This includes supplying marine fuel, such as heavy oil or light oil, in drums from the floating tank to the ship or the refueling vessel. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

11. This includes supplying a marine biofuel, which is a mixture of the biofuel and marine fuel such as heavy oil or light oil, from the floating tank to the ship or the refueling vessel. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

12. This includes producing a marine biofuel by mixing the biofuel with marine fuel, which is heavy oil or light oil, in the tank provided in the floating tank. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

13. This includes storing the biofuel in the floating tank from an ISO tank container, flexible bag, tank truck, drum, or onshore fuel oil storage tank. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

14. This includes receiving and storing the biofuel from a ship used as a means of transport. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

15. This includes receiving and storing ship fuel, which is heavy oil or light oil, from ships used as a means of transport. The method for transporting biofuels according to claim 8.

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