Methanol Institute’s Proposal For IMO’s LCA Guidelines

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The IMO should include an adjustment factor for CII calculation, carbon capture used during fuel production and mass-balance accounting in its LCA framework, Methanol Institute (MI) proposed, says an article published on engine online website.

Summary

  • The Methanol Institute (MI) proposes adjustments to the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) formula, suggesting the inclusion of methane and nitrous oxide emissions in CII calculations, alongside establishing default emission levels for various bunker fuels.
  • MI advocates for certifying “actual emissions” for all bunker fuels and defining sustainable fuels as those with at least a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a fossil fuel baseline, drawing upon the European Union’s voluntary schemes.
  • MI emphasizes incorporating carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in cleaner fuel production, such as e-methanol, and adopting the mass-balance approach in fuel production to ensure transparency and credibility in tracking sustainable feedstock flow.

Proposal For Adjustment Factors And Additional Elements

The Methanol Institute (MI) has proposed adjustments to the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) formula, suggesting the inclusion of methane and nitrous oxide emissions in CII calculations. Additionally, MI recommends establishing default emission levels for various bunker fuels to ensure regulatory consistency and streamline efforts.

Certification Of Actual Emissions And Definition Of Sustainable Fuels

MI advocates for the certification of “actual emissions” for all bunker fuels, drawing upon the European Union’s list of voluntary schemes. Furthermore, MI suggests defining sustainable fuels with a benchmark of at least a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to a fossil fuel baseline.

Utilization Of Carbon Capture And Mass-Balance Approach

The proposal also highlights the importance of incorporating carbon capture and utilization (CCU) in the production of cleaner fuels like e-methanol. MI emphasizes the need to acknowledge the mass-balance approach in fuel production, which tracks the flow of sustainable feedstock in the supply chain to ensure transparency and credibility.

Strengthening The LCA Framework

MI recommends including the overall greenhouse gas intensity of co-processed and blended fuels in the LCA framework. Additionally, the organization suggests implementing a book-and-claim system, allowing shipowners to purchase emissions reductions from others who have invested in low- and zero-emission fuels, thereby balancing emissions from their ships.

Expected Discussion At MECP 81

MI’s proposals come ahead of the upcoming 81st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81), where further developments in the lifecycle analysis (LCA) framework are anticipated. These recommendations aim to enhance the comprehensiveness and fairness of the LCA methodology, ensuring alignment with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector.

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Source: engine online