Decarbonisation group’s biofuel bunkering trial finds sharp drop in emissions

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Maritime Decarbonisation

Introduction

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) conducted a trial for a dual-fuel liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, which found that carbon emissions fell by 83% when using a vegetable oil biofuel blend compared to marine gasoil. This trial is part of an $18 million project aimed at testing different biofuel blends to reduce carbon emissions and meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for decarbonisation in the maritime industry.

Biofuel Blend Trial Results

The latest trial involved a biofuel blend consisting of marine gasoil blended with 30% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) produced from 100% waste and residues. The use of this biofuel blend resulted in an 83% reduction in emissions compared to using fossil-based marine gasoil, according to the GCMD.

Supplier and Pilot Fuel Blending

GoodFuels supplied approximately 200 metric tons of the biofuel blend to the mid-sized gas carrier Kaupang, operated by Eastern Pacific Shipping. Additionally, blending marine gasoil with 30% biofuel as a pilot fuel for LPG combustion led to a 20% net reduction in emissions compared to sailing on very low sulfur fuel oil.

Importance of Trials for Sustainable Marine Fuels

The trials conducted by the GCMD are crucial for the fuel and shipping industries to develop sustainable marine fuels that align with the IMO’s decarbonisation targets for 2030 and 2050. These trials contribute to the achievement of SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices in the maritime sector.

Transparency and Future Trials

Johannes Schürmann, the commercial director at GoodFuels, emphasized the importance of transparency in bringing sustainable marine fuels to the market. The remaining supply chain trials will be conducted in the coming months, and details of the assurance framework will be shared through a public report in early 2024, as stated by the GCMD.

Previous Trials and Increasing Biofuel Bunkering Volumes

Previous trials conducted by the GCMD involved blends comprising used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) blended with very low sulfur fuel oil and high sulfur fuel oil, respectively. Furthermore, biofuel bunkering volumes have been increasing at the world’s top bunker hub, Singapore, with bio-blended low sulfur fuel oil sales reaching a monthly record high in July. These developments contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the use of sustainable fuels and reducing the environmental impact of the shipping industry.

Reporting by Jeslyn Lerh; Editing by Sonali Paul

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the use of biofuel blends to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry, which directly relates to SDG 13 on Climate Action. It also mentions the International Maritime Organisation’s decarbonisation targets, which align with SDG 14 on Life Below Water. Additionally, the collaboration between the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and GoodFuels highlights the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development, as emphasized in SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• SDG 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas
• SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships

The article highlights the efforts of the GCMD and GoodFuels to test different biofuel blends as part of a project to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry. This aligns with SDG 13.2, which aims to integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies. The focus on reducing emissions in the maritime sector also contributes to SDG 14.5, which calls for the conservation of coastal and marine areas. Furthermore, the collaboration between the GCMD and GoodFuels exemplifies the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development, as stated in SDG 17.17.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Reduction in carbon emissions
• Percentage of biofuel blend used in marine fuel
• Number of supply chain bunkering trials conducted

The article mentions that using a vegetable oil biofuel blend resulted in an 83% reduction in emissions compared to using fossil-based marine gasoil. This reduction in carbon emissions serves as an indicator of progress towards SDG 13.2. The percentage of biofuel blend used in marine fuel, such as the 30% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) blend mentioned in the article, can also be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 13.2. Additionally, the article mentions that the GCMD has undertaken five supply chain bunkering trials as part of their project, indicating progress towards SDG 17.17.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: reuters.com

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