Issuing agency: Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
Column:Future Fuel
source: https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com/shipping-decarbonization/future-fuels/biofuels
Biofuels are sustainable fuels made from a variety of organic materials (e.g. wood, crops, oil, algae, organic residues, etc.) called biomass. The main biofuels relevant to maritime shipping can be classified into four types:
Biofuels are generally divided into three categories – or generations – according to feedstock – or the type of biomass – used. First generation biofuels, known as conventional biofuels, are produced from agricultural food crops, vegetable oil, and food waste. Second generation biofuels, called advanced biofuels, are made from energy crops, agricultural or forest residue, known as lignocellulosic biomass. Third generation biofuels are made from the byproducts of microorganisms, such as algae.
Download our infographic Biofuels can be produced from several methods or production pathways, including transesterification, hydrotreating, gasification, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, fermentation and pyrolysis. Yet more are in development. These technologies associated with these production pathways are at various levels of readiness. When used onboard ships, biofuels have the potential to reduce the lifecycle GHG footprint of the marine sector.
Biofuels provide many advantages to ship owners and managers looking to lower their vessels’ emissions:
Laurent Courregelongue Director of Development Department
Challenges remain for the scaling up and use of biofuels for shipping:
For ships looking to use biofuels onboard at a future date, Bureau Veritas provides a BIOFUEL READY notation. Our notation details requirements for biofuel use and management, accounting for the fuel’s technical specifications, and offers a comprehensive methodology for emissions testing. Both newbuilds and in-service vessels are eligible for our BIOFUEL READY notation.
The primary challenge for ship managers and operators using biofuels onboard is ensuring the safe composition and quality of their fuel. Bureau Veritas helps owners meet regulatory requirements for biofuels through VeriFuel, our comprehensive Marine Fuel Services Program. We put our extensive network of global testing, inspection and certification (TIC) laboratories to work for clients, offering crucial marine fuel quality assessments. Our marine experts provide advisory reports and technical advice, enabling ship managers and operators to monitor biofuel use and quality at any time.
Second and third generation biofuels are the most sustainable types of biofuels. Second generation biofuels are produced from non-food biomass, such as wood or crop residue, which supports green waste treatment. Third generation biofuels are made from microalgae, natural organisms that can be rapidly produced with little energy and without disrupting ecosystems. However, second and third generation biofuels are not yet widely available.
Yes. Under certain conditions, biofuels can be mixed with most fossil fuels, including Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and MGO. Biofuels are compatible with most ship engines – providing compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. This means they can be burned alongside other marine fuels without vessels undergoing major technical, safety or design adjustments.
Because biofuel consumption onboard vessels remains niche, global supply and dedicated bunkering facilities are currently limited. However, rising demand should spur the creation of bunkering areas. For biofuels – a drop-in fuel that can be mixed with other fuels – this will likely mean taking over existing bunkering infrastructure for fossil fuels.
Emissions from engines using biofuels are subject to regulatory requirements laid out in MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 18, including limitations for nitrous oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions. Biofuels must also respect the Global Sulphur Cap, which limits the sulfur content of onboard fuel to 0.50% m/m.
Storage conditions and holding periods for biofuels vary based on the type of biofuel. For example, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) can be stored for long periods of time, while Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) have a storage life of six months. Storage tanks may require the addition of protective coatings, linings, or antioxidant additives to avoid oxidation or microbiological growths.
Predicting long-term costs of any fuel is difficult as the energy market is subject to fluctuations from many different factors. However, it is highly likely that biofuel costs will be driven up due to competition from other transportation sectors – and particularly aviation.