Marine Biofuel: The future of sustainable shipping
Biofuel is emerging as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the shipping industry, offering a potential pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance towards a more sustainable future.
The maritime sector is exploring a wide variety of biofuels, including Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), biomass-to-liquid (BTL) products, glycerol, and straight vegetable oil (SVO) products. These biofuels can be used in concentrations up to 100% (B100) or as substantial blend components with residual-type products.
Biofuel ships: navigating the seas with renewable energy
Biofuels are considered technologically ready for deep-sea shipping, as they can be used as drop-ins or blends with minor modifications to existing engines, machinery, and storage systems. This simplifies the transition from existing fossil-derived fuels. However, biofuels have also sparked controversy, with questions raised about their sustainability impacts and whether they will be available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of different sectors.
Green biofuels: A sustainable alternative for the maritime industry
The potential of biofuels in shipping is being explored to assess their viability and impact on decarbonisation. As the shipping industry continues to navigate towards a cleaner future, biofuels stand out as a key area of focus, balancing the need for environmental sustainability with the practicalities of technological readiness and availability.
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