Potential of Biofuels for Shipping, Sep 23

The maritime industry is facing challenges related to stricter air emissions and climate legislation. Biofuels have the potential to provide medium and long-term alternatives for marine fuel that can enter the market quickly and reduce carbon emissions. Currently, the use of biofuels in marine engines is limited, but there is potential for them to capture a larger share of the maritime fuel consumption and support the GHG-reduction goals of the EU and IMO. This report by EMSA provides an update on the potential of biofuels for the maritime sector. It examines various types of biofuels, their production capacity, storage and distribution infrastructure, and power-generation technologies. The report also includes techno-economic analyses and case studies to evaluate the potential of biofuels in the maritime industry. Availability of sustainable biomass is a key factor in the adoption of biofuels. Biomass from agriculture and forestry is the primary source of biofuels in the EU, but there are concerns about the sustainability of using food-based crops. Biomass from waste and residues is seen as a more sustainable option but requires advanced processes for conversion into biofuels. Projections for the availability of biomass vary, and there is uncertainty due to technical, economic, and sustainability requirements. Sustainability criteria play a crucial role in determining the amount of available biomass for biofuel production. Woody biomass and other waste and residues are generally favored for their potential to reduce GHG emissions. However, there are unresolved issues and disagreements among scientists and policymakers regarding the sustainability of different biofuel sources. Biofuels have advantages in terms of reducing some emissions, such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Different biofuels have varying effects on emissions, and factors such as engine type and fuel composition impact their performance. Cost analysis shows that the total cost of ownership for vessels fueled with biofuels can be higher than that of traditional fuels, but the price gap is expected to decrease in the future. Uncertainty regarding biomass availability in the future can impact the prices of biofuels. With forecasts anticipating biomass shortages, biofuel prices are likely to continue rising.