2nd edition of Biofuels FAQ A Key Resource for Industry Stakeholders
SSA has released a new edition of the Biofuels FAQ, a critical resource for industry stakeholders navigating the transition to sustainable maritime fuels. This updated FAQ, shared with SSA members during the SSA Biofuels Seminar at Amara Singapore on 30 August 2024, offers comprehensive guidance on biofuel adoption, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards. The FAQ is essential to equip industry with the knowledge to safely progress the use of this low-carbon alternative fuel onboard ships.
Key regulatory developments covered include IMO’s Interim Guidelines, NOx Regulations, and EU-approved sustainability certification schemes, to help shipowners navigate compliance and enhance biofuel efficiency. The FAQ also tackles challenges like supply shortages and pricing, offering stakeholders clear guidance on sustainable fuel options.
This guide is a culminative effort of the Biofuels Workgroup under the Association’s Marine Fuels Committee, which was headed by Jan-Paul de Wilde, from RINA and made up of members from ship owning and bunkering companies, class societies, fuel testing services and engine makers.
When sharing the guide with members present at the seminar, Jan-Paul further emphasised that advances in biofuel production are enhancing their viability and affordability, accelerating their adoption across the industry.
Shaping the Future of Biofuels in Maritime
In her opening speech, Ms. Caroline Yang, President of SSA, noted that there was a significant rise in the Singapore Port’s biofuel sales, from 140,000 tonnes in 2022 to 520,000 tonnes in 2023. This is a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability, and for shipowners, a practical and cost-effective solution to reduce carbon emissions while requiring minimal modifications to existing engines.
Given that Biofuel is increasingly regarded as a viable pathway to decarbonisation, this timely seminar saw a good turnout from members, with over 200 people in attendance. The seminar included a panel discussion titled “The Future of Biofuels in the Maritime Industry,” along with presentations from experts of various maritime organisations. These sessions explored crucial topics such as biofuels’ sustainability, the importance of standardisation, and insights from ongoing biofuel trials.
The panel discussion, moderated by Apostolos Boutos, Chairman of SSA Marine Fuels Committee, delved into predictions for biofuel adoption in shipping, collaborative efforts to promote sustainable practices, and case studies highlighting partnerships between regulators, suppliers, and operators. Additionally, the economic impact of the biofuels transition on stakeholders in the maritime sector was thoroughly analysed.
Simplifying Standards: Aligning Biofuels with Global Benchmarks
A key takeaway from the seminar was the need for clear and pragmatic biofuel standards. Capt. Rahul Choudhuri, Chair for Technical Committee for Bunkering (Ambient Liquid Fuels), Chemical Standards Committee at the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) presented their work on biofuel standardisation, highlighting the importance of aligning national standards with international ones, such as ISO. This alignment ensures transparency and builds confidence in biofuel adoption across the industry. The revised WA-2 biofuel standard, which addresses fuel specifications and safety protocols, was also discussed, offering valuable insights into best practices for biofuel storage and handling. Capt. Rahul is also the President, Strategic Partnerships at VPS.
Innovative Trials: Pushing the Boundaries of Biofuel Usage
It is without a doubt that ongoing trials and more importantly, industry participation in these pilots will drive the adoption of biofuels. Dr. Sanjay C. Kuttan from the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) shared that trials are pivotal in assessing biofuels’ operational viability and environmental impact. By designing and executing these trials, the GCMD aims to provide the industry with data-driven insights that can guide future biofuel adoption. The trials are part of a broader roadmap to make biofuels more accessible and sustainable within the maritime sector.
Beyond B24: Ensuring the Long-term Sustainability of Biofuels
Dr. Imran Ibrahim from the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD CoE) focused on CII and the sustainability of biofuels beyond B24, particularly B50 and B100 variants. These advanced biofuels offer substantial carbon intensity reductions, making them a vital component of the industry’s decarbonisation efforts. Dr. Ibrahim highlighted the importance of lifecycle analysis to ensure that these biofuels deliver genuine environmental benefits, from production to end-use. His presentation also explored comparative studies on the performance of these biofuels, reinforcing their potential as a long-term solution for reducing carbon emissions in shipping.
The SSA Biofuels Seminar and the updated FAQ represent a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s journey towards sustainability. By providing clear guidance, promoting collaboration, and addressing key challenges, the SSA is helping to accelerate the adoption of biofuels and support the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Click here to explore the updated SSA Biofuels FAQ and learn more about the future of biofuels in shipping.
Photos for the event can be found under Past Events Gallery.
