Sustainable Marine Fuels: A Global Imperative

• Governments and companies prioritize sustainable marine fuels (SMFs) for emissions reduction.
• The DOE invests in low- and net-zero-carbon SMFs as replacements for traditional fuels.
• Immediate use in existing engines and emerging options target decarbonization.
• Companies like Chevron collaborate on SMF trials, stressing the need for regulatory guidance toward 2050 decarbonization.

The urgency to decarbonize the shipping industry has prompted governments and companies worldwide to prioritize sustainable marine fuels (SMFs). With the sector currently contributing approximately three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, addressing its environmental impact has become imperative as trade and passenger transport continue to grow.

U.S. Department of Energy’s Green Initiative

In the United States, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is actively investing in research to develop low- and net-zero-carbon SMFs. Focused on innovative green fuels, BETO aims to replace fossil fuels in maritime activities, particularly in larger vessels that require alternative approaches to power them over longer distances.

Types of Sustainable Marine Fuels

Over 90% of the world’s goods are transported on cargo ships powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO), contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, SMFs are derived from eco-friendly sources such as forestry and agricultural waste, non-food energy crops, and waste oils. These fuels offer a sustainable alternative to traditional HFO by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Approaches to SMF Development

Two main approaches are being pursued in the development of SMFs. Low-emissions drop-in fuels, including renewable diesel, biodiesel, and hydrotreated vegetable oil, can be used in existing ship engines without modification, facilitating immediate decarbonization efforts. Emerging marine fuels with zero or near-zero GHG emissions, such as bio-methanol and lignin-alcohol mixes, are designed for new or modified ship engines, aligning with mid- and long-term decarbonization goals.

Industry Collaborations for Decarbonization

Major companies, including industry giant Chevron, are actively engaging with marine fuel suppliers to develop and trial sustainable bio-based diesel in both the U.S. and EU markets. Chevron’s strategic agreement with Bunker Holding Group is focused on running trials of B20 and B30 SMFs across these regions, supporting the overall movement toward a greener maritime industry.

Challenges and Timeframe for SMF Implementation

Despite strides in SMF development, a significant limitation lies in the time required to commercialize these fuels. Developing new ship technology and manufacturing a fleet of vessels can take several years, impacting the short-term feasibility of using SMFs for immediate decarbonization of marine activities.

Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainable Transition

The World Shipping Council emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure that investments in green fuels are effectively utilized. GHG fuel intensity standards and regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are seen as crucial in providing investment certainty and guiding the industry toward achieving the 2050 decarbonization goal.

WSC’s Vision for the Future

John Butler, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council (WSC), stresses the importance of establishing renewable fuel regulations. Proposing GHG reduction evaluation and reward systems, he advocates for frameworks that drive SMF production, support technology and vessel development, and facilitate the transformation of the global fleet. Butler calls on member states to implement regulatory frameworks by 2025, with full implementation in 2027, to support the sector’s decarbonization goals.

In conclusion, the push for sustainable marine fuels is a collective effort toward a cleaner and greener future for the maritime industry, with collaboration and robust regulatory frameworks playing a pivotal role in achieving environmental sustainability.

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Source: Oilprice

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