Biofuels an early decarbonisation option for existing ships

LR’s Fuel for Thought: Biofuel Report points out that the adoption of biofuels by the owners of ships in service today is likely to prove a key strategy where conversions and retrofits to use low- or zero-carbon fuels, such as methanol or ammonia, is neither practical nor affordable.

Used as ‘drop-in’ replacements for traditional fuels, they require minimal changes to machinery and shipboard operation but can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84%, the report claims.

Biofuels are usually compatible with existing machinery, bunker tanks, and fuel supply systems. They use the same bunkering infrastructure as the fuel oils that are used today, and training requirements for ships’ crews are minimal compared to other future fuels.

The fact that feedstock is readily available for biofuel development is a key advantage, as existing emission regulations tighten and FuelEU Maritime enters force in European waters in January. Owners of passenger ships, ro-ro’s, and container ships will be particularly hard hit by the regulatory penalties from FuelEU unless they have adopted appropriate fuel management strategies.

The biofuels most likely to prove suitable for ships are Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) and Hydrotreated Vegetable oil, the LR analysis concludes. But owners and operators should keep abreast of biofuel development as many other biofuel possibilities are likely to develop, some of which may well have  implications for shipboard plant. The report assesses the considerations for engines and machinery, and suggests risk management strategies for trials of biofuels that have not yet been tested in ships’ engines.

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The report also stresses that shipping will have to compete with other transport sectors, including aviation. And the price of biodiesel blends is likely to rise as feedstock prices climb from rising demand.

The classification society’s Principal Specialist Fuels Lubes and Emissions, Tim Wilson, commented: “Biofuels are unique among the future fuels for shipping as the vast majority of the world fleet is equipped with engines that can use them. As a drop-in replacement for fossil fuels, biofuels are an available and affordable method of reducing carbon emissions in the short term without large capital investment. The range of biofuel trials across ship segments and biofuel types reflect a strong level of interest from shipowners in their use on board.”