The sustainability of the shipping sector is slow to gain momentum. Although the maritime sector accounts for around three percent of global CO₂ emissions, the transition to sustainable fuels lags far behind other sectors. However, there are opportunities, especially in the use of biofuels. A new report from IEA Bioenergy shows that these fuels are technically ready for use at sea, but that practice is still lagging behind.
Biofuels such as biodiesel, HVO and advanced variants based on lignocellulose can in many cases be used directly in existing ship engines. This makes them attractive for the short and medium term. In contrast to alternatives such as hydrogen or ammonia, which require new engines, bunkering infrastructure and safety protocols, biofuels can already be used today. Moreover, they fit in well with the emission reduction targets of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Yet this hardly happens. In practice, the use of biofuels at sea appears to encounter persistent barriers. Costs are an important factor. Fossil fuels such as heavy fuel oil are cheap, partly because there is no price tag on CO₂ emissions in international shipping. Without fiscal incentives or blending obligations, shipowners opt for the least expensive option. In addition, uncertainty about regulations and long-term availability plays a role. Shipowners and fuel suppliers often do not dare to make structural agreements, because the policy is too fragmented nationally and internationally. Many ports also lack the infrastructure required to bunker biofuels on a large scale.
The IEA Bioenergy report emphasises that solutions exist, but that they require cooperation and courage. International policy coordination is essential to create economies of scale and make investments attractive. Clear certification of sustainable origin can also increase confidence. Shipping companies need to know where the fuel comes from, how sustainable it really is, and whether the supply is assured in the long term. Without this certainty, investments will not materialise.
According to the report, the Netherlands can play a pioneering role. With strong ports and a growing biobased industry, our country has everything it takes to achieve an acceleration. This requires not only technological innovation, but also policy choices – and a willingness to anticipate international agreements. Only in this way can we make the transition from ambition to action, and from potential to practice.
Source: ieabioenergy.com
