Ports and terminals are witnessing a rising demand for biofuels as the global energy landscape shifts towards lower-carbon options. A recent report forecasts the biofuels market to grow from $184.21 billion in 2025 to $326.46 billion by 2035, highlighting the sector’s critical role in sustainable transportation and climate change mitigation.
Experts at the IMO caution against biofuels for decarbonizing shipping due to concerns over food security and supply constraints. They advocate for a focus on scalable technologies like wind propulsion and renewable electricity-based e-fuels. The Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport warns that reliance on biofuels risks environmental integrity and food supplies.
The debate over biofuels in the shipping industry is intensifying, with concerns raised by major shipping lines and NGOs like T & E. They argue that biofuels could be unsustainable and harmful. A study suggests a potential increase in biofuel use by 2030, but limited availability of waste biofuels poses a challenge.
The maritime industry in Singapore is booming, with fuel sales reaching over 4.5 million tons in August 2024. Despite this, biofuels sales are lagging behind, showing potential for growth. Industry representative Hui Ling is optimistic about increasing fuel sales and collaborating with stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions.
The last week’s editorial highlights key maritime developments from 26 Aug. to 01 Sep. 2024, including BIMCO’s positive tanker market forecast, advancements in decarbonization, and innovative safety measures. With initiatives like ammonia-powered vessels and remote pilotage, the sector showcases its commitment to sustainability and safety amidst evolving global challenges.
Shipping companies are working to reduce compliance costs under the FuelEU Maritime regime to avoid penalties for missing carbon intensity reduction targets. OceanScore is providing price estimates on compliance surpluses available through FuelEU’s pooling mechanism. Companies can opt for biofuels or pooling to address deficits, with penalties being a costly alternative.
The NEN 7427-1 standard by the Royal Netherlands Standardization Institute addresses the need for biofuel specifications in maritime shipping. Developed with input from industry stakeholders, it sets quality requirements for FAME and M-FAME blends with marine fuels. This standard aims to support emission reduction goals and may eventually be integrated into international standards like ISO 8217 for consistent biofuel use in the maritime industry.
Singapore Polytechnic and Vopak have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to equip faculty members of the Singapore Maritime Academy with skills in handling new marine fuels. Vopak’s expertise in ammonia, biofuels, and methanol will be used to design a curriculum for a sustainable future. President Rob Boudestijn emphasizes their commitment to maritime safety and Singapore’s journey towards a multi-fuels hub.
The first part of a study on the safety aspect of bunkering with biofuels has been published by EMSA. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of a pre-selection of biofuels in terms of safety aspects like flashpoint, toxicity, and cold-flow properties, among others.
NYK aims to carefully assess the safety and sourcing of biofuels during extended use, reflecting its commitment to promoting biofuel development and achieving a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The company will implement continuous biofuel use on ships for three months, expanding to longer periods for further validation.
