Biofuels are a category of gaseous or liquid fuels generated from biomass – materials of biological origin . They can be created from various sources , or feedstocks , using a variety of processes . Presently , we are seeing the rise of the second generation biofuels which are made of non-food biomass .
On the surface , it does seem like biofuels would be – technically speaking – an easy decarbonization solution for shipping . Biofuels are , after all , suitable for all vessel types : large , small , deep-sea or short-sea , gas- or liquid-fueled , without major adjustments . Biofuels or blended biofuels would both be lower carbon alternatives to fossil fuels from a well-to-wake perspective .
Also , as biofuels can be produced around the world , and present no significant complications for bunkering , initial infrastructure would not pose a major challenge or require a great deal of money .
START WITH SUSTAINABLE
Julien Boulland , Global Market Leader for sustainable shipping at Bureau Veritas , says that biofuels must be sustainable , suitable and available in order to make a notable splash in the maritime .
“ Second generation biofuels can be blended with regular fuel , with sometimes a 10 – 20 % share – or , in some cases , as high as 50 %,” he says , pointing out to the
Julien Boulland , Global Market Leader for sustainable shipping at Bureau Veritas .
fact that the sustainability factor clearly is there . With a proper sustainable production pathway in place , biofuels promise significant carbon emissions reductions in comparison to standard fossil fuels .
Suitability seems like a no-brainer , too : One of the major advantages of biofuels is the maturity of compatible engines . Vessels typically require no modification to use biofuels , making them – basically – a convenient “ drop in ” replacement for conventional marine fuels . This gives biofuels a leg up on most other alternative fuels –
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Regarding the fuel system on board , no major modification is to be considered .
such as hydrogen , ammonia and LNG – since they all require specific engines or fuel storage and supply systems . photo : BUREAU VERITAS
Patrick Jan , Expertise Leader for Environment Innovative Engines and Alternative Fuels at Bureau Veritas . photo : BUREAU VERITAS
FULL STEAM AHEAD !
Patrick Jan , Expertise Leader for Environment Innovative Engines and Alternative Fuels at Bureau Veritas , confirms that modern engines are designed and developed for continuous operation on biofuel , without retrofit and without reduction in the rated output .
“ Regarding the fuel system on board , no major modification is to be considered ,” he says .
However , a detailed biofuel specification needs to be documented to validate this approach . “ This includes , for example , the allowed maximum injection viscosity , because if this value can ’ t be achieved with an unheated fuel , the fuel system has to be equipped with a heater ,” Jan says .
10 seatec 2 / 2023