- With just 250 days remaining until the implementation of the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, the maritime sector is accelerating its investment in biofuels, LNG, and carbon capture technologies.
- From biofuel deployments in Barcelona and Zeebrugge to LNG bunkering in Trapani and future plans for carbon capture systems, companies are strategizing to meet emission reduction targets.
As the clock ticks down to the implementation of the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, slated to apply to ships visiting all EU ports, the maritime industry is ramping up efforts to adopt cleaner fuel solutions. With greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity reduction targets looming, companies are exploring a range of alternatives to traditional marine fuels.
Biofuel Initiatives
Marine fuel supplier Peninsula has taken steps to introduce biofuels in key ports. In Barcelona, it deployed an IMO type 2 chemical tanker capable of supplying up to 100% biofuel (B100). Meanwhile, in Zeebrugge, Peninsula bunkered a vehicle carrier with a blend composed of 30% biofuel derived from used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) and 70% conventional marine fuel.
Expansion of LNG Bunkering
Spanish LNG supplier Molgas expanded its operations into the Italian LNG bunkering market, bunkering a vessel in the Port of Trapani, Italy. This move underscores the growing demand for LNG as a cleaner alternative fuel in the maritime sector.
Future Plans for LNG Production
TotalEnergies announced plans to construct an LNG liquefaction plant in Oman’s Sohar, aiming to produce up to 1 million mt/year of LNG. This LNG will primarily serve as bunker fuel for ships, with production slated to commence in 2028.
Carbon Capture Systems
Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is embracing carbon capture technology by installing an onboard system developed by Dutch firm Value Maritime. This system not only eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) but also captures and stores up to 10% of CO2 emissions from the ship.
Call for Policy Support and Funding
Shipping and port organizations in the EU are advocating for policy support and public funding to facilitate the maritime sector’s transition to cleaner fuels. The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) estimates a need for €19.2 billion ($20.52 billion) over the next decade to develop alternative energy infrastructure. Additionally, the World Shipping Council (WSC) and Danish Shipping are urging MEPs to prioritize the scaling up of marine fuels with zero-emission potential, emphasizing the crucial role of policy frameworks in driving industry-wide decarbonization efforts.
As regulatory deadlines loom, stakeholders across the maritime sector are embracing innovation and collaboration to navigate the transition towards a greener future.
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Source: Engine Online
