Honeywell has unveiled an innovative technology aimed at transforming agricultural and forestry waste into renewable fuels, specifically targeting the maritime sector. This breakthrough allows for the production of lower-carbon marine fuel, gasoline, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from readily available biomass sources such as wood chips and crop residues. The resulting “drop-in” fuels offer ship operators a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional heavy fuel oil, enhancing energy efficiency without necessitating expensive engine modifications.
Ken West, president of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, emphasized the necessity for renewable fuels that are both accessible and economically viable in the maritime industry. The Biocrude Upgrading technology can be modular, providing savings from installation through refining processes. This technology enables the conversion of plant and agricultural waste into biocrude at collection sites, thereby minimizing transport costs.
The refined biocrude can then be transformed into marine fuel, gasoline, or SAF at major facilities, addressing long-standing challenges in achieving fuel performance comparable to conventional options. As shipping companies face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon emissions due to regulatory requirements and consumer demands, Honeywell’s technology emerges as a timely solution to help the industry transition away from its reliance on heavy fuel oil, which has been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
