Sustainable Shipping: Focus on FAME biofuels

Maritime decarbonization is complex, and biofuels play a key role in reducing emissions. FAME (biodiesel) and HVO (renewable diesel) are the most established options for shipping.

FAME is produced from renewable sources like plant oils, animal fats, and waste biomass. When burned, it emits carbon dioxide and water vapor. As a pure fuel (B100), FAME can achieve net-zero emissions if carbon released during combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed during feedstock growth.

Keep in mind that…

ISO 8217:2024 Update: The latest revision now includes FAME and synthetic or renewable paraffinic diesel fuels up to 100%.
Adoption & Compliance: Relevant stakeholders must integrate this updated standard and consider additional criteria to ensure suitability for expected operating conditions.
Fuel Quality Assurance: Verifying fuel quality is essential to prevent operational issues
System Compatibility: Assessing fuel compatibility with onboard systems is crucial to maintaining efficiency and avoiding potential technical challenges.
Off-Specification Fuel Risks: The growing presence of off-specification fuels marketed as biofuels highlights the need for rigorous quality control and verification.

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DNV: Understanding the use and specifications of biofuels

During his presentation at the 14th GREEN4SEA Athens Forum, Bill Stamatopoulos, Global Marine Fuels Business Development Director at VeriFuel, highlighted the following key takeaways on B100 FAME biofuels:

Risk assessment, fuel utilization plan and the technical compatibility varies from ship to ship, making it essential to assess each case individually
Use ISO 8217:2024 and a proper test slate, while excluding any unknown biocomponents for which there is no operational experience.
Use of FAME B100 offers financial advantage against FuelEU penalties considering current prices, either by using it fleetwide or in selected vessels and pooling (compliance surplus that can either be “banked” or sold).

7 key considerations for the use of FAME on ships

According to a DNV report, the following are important to consider before and during the use of FAME on ships.

#1 Materials compatibility

Verify the compatibility of metals, elastomers, and rubber compounds, and replace them if needed.

#2 Cold flow properties

Verify according to expected operating conditions due to poor low temperature tolerance.

#3 Fuel analysis

Request supplier pre-test and conduct drip or bunker sampling to verify fuel quality.

#4 Prepare tanks

Empty, clean and dry to the extent possible prior to introducing the new fuel.

#5 Thermal management

Monitor fuel temperature to accommodate for cold flow properties.

#6 Purification

Review compatibility and adjust according to fuel specification.

#7 Viscosity

Ensure proper viscosity control. FAME may have slightly higher viscosity than MGO

Biofuels gain momentum in shipping

Lloyd’s Register (LR) reports a continued upward trend in biofuel usage, with blends such as B30 becoming more common. However, challenges persist, including fuel quality issues and the need for suppliers to meet stringent specifications.

In March 2025, MPA Singapore announced an increase in the allowable biofuel blend for Singapore-registered bunker ships, raising the limit from B25 to B30, effective March 7, 2025. This move aligns with the draft MEPC guidance on transporting biofuel blends by conventional bunker ships, which is slated for review at the 83rd MEPC session in April 2025.

The guidance permits conventional bunker ships to carry biofuel blends of up to 30% by volume, provided that all residues and tank washings are properly disposed of on land, unless the ship’s oil discharge monitoring equipment (ODME) is approved for the biofuel blend being carried. These provisions are temporary until more detailed regulations are established.

Similarly, the European Union implemented new marine fuel regulations on January 1, 2025, requiring commercial ships over 5,000 gross tonnage at EU ports to reduce emissions or face penalties. The FuelEU Maritime regulation aims for a 2% reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of shipping fuels, with an ambitious target of an 80% reduction by 2050. Compliance options include using biofuel-blended bunker fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG).

However, shipbrokers have expressed concerns that these regulations may increase shipping costs due to the high demand and limited supply of alternative fuels like biodiesel and LNG, potentially leading to higher freight rates.