In the historic 80th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee, which took place in July 2023, significant progress was made with the endorsement of interim guidance on the incorporation of biofuels. This epochal step pertains to assigning a CO2 Emission Conversion Factor under the Carbon Intensity Indicator regulations and relatedly, reporting fuel consumption to the IMO Data Collection System.
Biofuel Use: A Temporary Directive
Flag States, the principal enforcement authority for vessels registered under their jurisdiction, are encouraged to adopt this provisional guidance relating to biofuels, as detailed under articles 26, 27, and 28 of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI. This adoption is set to remain valid until further development of a thorough procedure is accomplished for assessing a fuel’s emission conversion factor. This new technique will also illuminate the life-cycle of well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals stemming from individual fuels.
The Demand for Certification
Promoting sustainable practices, bunker suppliers are urged to provide affirmation of sustainability, preferably backed by a globally renowned certification scheme, akin to those of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Such schemes should meet robust sustainability criteria, such as those outlined by the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. Solid evidence of this verification should be submitted alongside the Bunker Delivery Note.
Allocation of Carbon Factor Value
According to the guidance, biofuels minted with an international certification, and those that ensure a well-to-wake GHG emission reduction of a minimum of 65% when juxtaposed with fossil Marine Gas Oil’s 94 gCO2e/MJ emissions, can claim a carbon factor value equal to the well-to-wake GHG emissions of the fuel as per the attached certificate, multiplied by its lower calorific worth.
Energy Weighted Blended Fuels
In cases of blended fuels, the Emission Conversion Factor (Cf) should hinge on the energy-weighted average of the Cf appropriate to the relative quantities of the individual fuels present. Biofuels not recognized as ‘sustainable’, or those failing to achieve the specified well-to-wake emission factor criterion should be allocated a Cf commensurate with that of the corresponding fossil fuel type.
This revolution in sustainable maritime practices heralds new tides as the industry sails towards a greener, more responsible future.
