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Recent advances in low-carbon fuels for ships may mean new verification and reporting requirements. But the flexibility of ships presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Most people don’t realise it, but the products they buy every day that are shipped from around the world have a bigger impact on climate change than flying on an airplane. Maritime transport plays a vital role in the world economy, but it’s also a significant contributor to air pollution and climate change, accounting for 3.6% of global emissions – more than the aviation industry.
Global efforts have been slow to progress due to a lack of political, media and public attention to the issue, but in recent years there has been growing interest in finding sustainable solutions to lower maritime emissions, one of which is the use of sustainable marine fuels.
Sustainable marine fuels
Traditional marine fuels, such as heavy fuel oil, are known for emitting large amounts of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. In contrast, sustainable marine fuels (SMF), also known as biofuels or alternative fuels, come from renewable energy and produce fewer harmful emissions when burned. These fuels can help maritime vessels reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a more environmentally friendly future.
One sustainable marine fuel that has received much attention in recent years is biofuel. Biofuels are made from organic materials such as algae, cooking oil or plant waste. They can be a direct replacement for traditional marine fuels or blended with them to reduce emissions.
Biofuels are considered carbon neutral because they emit roughly the same amount of carbon dioxide when burned as the source plants absorb from the atmosphere while growing. But there are questions about whether they can be produced cost-effectively in sufficient quantities to power intercontinental maritime voyages.
Other possibilities for sustainable marine fuels include hydrogen and ammonia. These fuels produce no emissions when burned, offering a path to completely decarbonizing the shipping business. However, challenges such as production costs, infrastructure requirements and safety considerations need to be addressed before widespread adoption.
Global efforts underway
To promote the use of sustainable marine fuels, governments, industry stakeholders and international organizations have been introducing regulations and incentives. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set strict sulfur emission limits through the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to promote the adoption of cleaner fuels. In addition, fiscal incentives, tax breaks and research funding are provided to encourage the development and use of sustainable marine fuels.
These new policy frameworks will require new verification and reporting methods. Several frameworks have already been introduced, one of which is the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). ISCC has started to certify biofuels, renewable fuels of non-biogenic origin (RFNBO) and renewable carbon fuels.
Greenhouse gas emissions close to zero
“IMO has set a target to increase the adoption of ‘zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission technologies’ (including fuels) to at least 5% (and aiming for 10%) of energy use in international shipping by 2030,” said Dario Formenti, Sustainable Fuel Systems Manager at ISCC. “IMO is currently developing comprehensive LCA guidance to determine the sustainability and lifecycle emissions impacts of SMFs under future IMO regulations.”
“Many different feedstocks and production pathways need to be considered, including biofuels from crop and waste/residue feedstocks (such as FAME, renewable diesel, DME and methanol), co-processed fuels, and e-fuels (such as green hydrogen derivatives and ammonia from renewable electricity),” Formenti said.
It is not yet clear whether the IMO’s LCA guidelines will specifically envisage the use of certification schemes, but Formenti said ISCC will continue to have an active dialogue with the IMO to facilitate this process if and when it arises. “ISCC also supports efforts at multiple levels, including with the IMO and the EU, to ensure a viable certification framework for sustainable marine fuels.”
EU regulatory framework
The EU is also developing several regulatory frameworks covering maritime transport. The EU Regulation on verification and reporting of CO2 emissions from maritime transport, which began requiring reporting in 2017, has been building data as the basis for this framework.
The EU Fuel Maritime Regulation will come into force on 1 January 2025 and aims to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of ship operators. Energy used on board ships will be reduced by 6% by 2030 and gradually reduced, with the ultimate goal of an 80% reduction by 2050.
The requirements will be implemented at fleet level, meaning that individual ships within the same fleet can pool their compliance requirements to achieve the mandatory emission reduction levels.
According to the definition of the EU Renewable Energy Directive, the fuels included in FuelEU Maritime include biofuels, biogas, RFNBO and RCF. In addition, from January 2024, the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) will be extended to the maritime sector, making the use of alternative marine fuels one of the main ways for ship owners and operators to fulfill their obligations under FuelEU and the EU ETS.
Go beyond the status quo
In the meantime, shippers shouldn’t just wait for regulatory requirements to come in, said Adam Kirby, another sustainable fuel systems manager at ISCC. “While regulatory requirements for sustainability in the marine sector are increasing, there are still plenty of opportunities for shippers (or organizations with marine capabilities) to move beyond the ‘status quo’ and become industry pioneers,” he said.
“These organizations have the added benefit of being directly involved in shaping the future of the industry.”
Kirby added: “Sustainable fuels play and will play an increasingly important role in the decarbonisation process, and this certainly includes the marine sector.”
“Early adopters and those that go beyond regulatory requirements can strengthen their position by providing proof to end consumers and others in the industry of the positive outcomes achieved with sustainable fuels,” he said.
Maritime Certification
One unique aspect of sustainable marine fuel certification compared to other fuels certified by the ISCC is that ships can be more flexible than other forms of transport. “Because the maritime industry is more flexible than other sectors in terms of fuel specifications, other types of sustainable alternative marine fuels are currently being certified and reviewed,” Kirby said.
“As maritime certification requirements continue to evolve, ISCC remains committed to assisting in the development of solutions to expand the number and types of sustainable fuel alternatives used.”
Sustainable marine fuels offer a promising solution to lowering maritime emissions and mitigating the industry’s environmental impact.
By investing in research and infrastructure, promoting regulatory frameworks and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the shipping industry can transition to a more sustainable future and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. It is essential for shippers to track and verify their progress in this regard.
(Author: Dave Keating I Editor: Brian Maguire | Euractiv Promotional Lab ）
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