Japanese shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) said it has developed a CO2-reducing and efficiency-boosting fuel additive to reduce the environmental effects of its merchant vessels.

The new additive Taicrush HD, which was created in conjunction with additive-maker Taihokohzai, improves the ignition performance and sludge dispersion in heavy fuel oils, MOL said.

In a statement MOL reported that the additive reduces ignition delay and afterburning time by over 30%.

The additive, which was tested on 106 voyages of a Japanese coastal ferry, is not affected by extreme marine weather.

The data collected from the trials reveal fuel efficiency from the vessel has improved between 1.12% and 1.46%.