Biofuel key to maritime decarbonization, but supply challenges, says DNV
(Posted on 05/06/23)
DNV's latest white paper “Biofuels in shipping” finds that the flexibility of biofuels can enable the shipping industry to accelerate its journey towards decarbonization while maintaining operational efficiency. Current limitations in production capacity, however, may impact short-term supply and create stiff competition with other sectors.
With the shipping industry getting ready to meet decarbonization requirements, the use of biofuels is on the rise. The current global production capacity of sustainable biofuels is around 11 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) per year. DNV predicts that a sustainable and economically viable supply of biofuels, ranging from 500 to 1300 Mtoe annually, can be achieved by 2050. However, to fully decarbonize shipping using biofuels, in combination with energy efficiency measures, an annual supply of 250 Mtoe of sustainable biofuels is required by 2050. This would represent 20-50% of potential global production.
“Biofuels are poised to play a notable role in the decarbonization of shipping. Nevertheless, existing constraints on production capacity and competition from other sectors is likely to impact short-term supply to the maritime industry,” said Eirik Ovrum, Principal Consultant in DNV Environment Advisor, “A major build-up of sustainable production capacity is needed before biofuels can reach their full potential and thus shipping’s goal of decarbonizing will need to be achieved in combination with energy efficiency measures as well as use of other low carbon fuels alternatives.”
Regulatory developments, such as The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), present a strong incentive for embracing biofuels, making both biofuels and biomass highly sought after by various sectors as they strive for decarbonization. These resources are also currently being used in cooking, water and space heating, as well as timber and pulp and paper production posing some challenges to production capacity and availability.
The white paper takes a closer look at these challenges by shedding light on the potential role of biofuels in enabling the decarbonization of shipping, while also offering practical advice on the necessary preparations before integrating biofuels onboard vessels.
Latest News
Damen completes green retrofit project for BAM Shipping
(Posted on 15/05/25)Damen Shipyards Group, together with partners including Atal Solutions has completed its retrofit of... Read more
NORDEN expands MPP fleet, reinforcing growth in Projects & Parcelling
(Posted on 15/05/25)NORDEN has announced that it has signed agreements for two additional 17,500 dwt Multi-purpose (MPP)... Read more
ClassNK’s ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’
(Posted on 15/05/25)ClassNK has released the ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’ for... Read more
Better safeguarding measures needed to support cadets at sea
(Posted on 07/05/25)Cadets are increasingly struggling to complete their cadetships due to a shortage of available placements... Read more
Algoma focuses on reliable service and fleet improvements
(Posted on 07/05/25)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Algoma... Read more
ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’
(Posted on 01/05/25)ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more
MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions
(Posted on 30/04/25)In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more
NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025
(Posted on 28/04/25)On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more
INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers
(Posted on 28/04/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more
MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria
(Posted on 25/04/25)Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more
