Among the broad spectrum of technology and fuel-solution pathways available for ship designers, builders, owners and operators, biofuels potentially offer medium and long-term marine fuel alternatives that can enter the market relatively quickly; they also offer the potential, if sustainability criteria are met, to reduce carbon output compared to traditional carbon-based fossil fuels.
While the current use of biofuels in marine-engine applications is very limited, (the IMO 2020 Data Collection System (DCS) indicated that 99.91% of marine fuel use remained from carbon-based conventional fuels) there is significant potential for biofuels to capture a larger share of the total maritime fuel consumption and support the EU and IMO’s GHG-reduction ambitions for the maritime industry. Recent regulatory developments in the EU covering GHG emissions and the lifecycle aspect of fuels provide a basket of measures in line with the climate goals that could accelerate their adoption.