New opportunities for lower carbon intensity liquid fuels

Historically, the over-the-road trucking industry has been the largest adopter of lower carbon intensity fuels. As other heavy equipment industries consider ways to lower their carbon emissions, decades of experience in trucking could provide a reliable roadmap.

The marine industry is a cornerstone of supply chains — more than 90% of global goods are transported by cargo ships. International maritime transport accounts for approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions from small recreation vessels up to ocean-going container ships.

The marine industry is uniquely positioned for the need to lower CO₂ emissions due to international goals — lower carbon fuels may be the solution that floats their boat.

International greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals signal need for lower carbon fuels

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing a broader effort to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 70% by 2050, compared to 2008. The total of CO₂ emissions from international shipping should be decreased at least 50% by 2050, compared to 2008.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are seen as the only direct replacement fuel solution available in significant volumes to reach this goal.

Lower carbon fuels as a direct replacement fuel solution

Marine vessels are large investments built to last for decades. Changing infrastructure to lower lifecycle carbon emissions is likely not a feasible solution for many companies.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel provide a drop-in solution that can be used with traditional marine fuels in existing vessels — typically no engine upgrades are needed. In addition to lower carbon emissions, biofuels can help maintain performance, and provide increased lubricity.

The reliability of biofuels is proven — studies have established that switching between lower carbon fuels and traditional marine fuels does not pose significant challenges or create limitations on engine performance.

Renewable fuel benefits

Biofuels are produced from feedstocks such as used cooking oil, inedible corn oil, animal fat or soybean oil. By producing fuels from renewable and other waste resources, biodiesel and renewable diesel have lower lifecycle carbon emissions than petroleum diesel. These benefits are passed on to the end-user of the fuel.

Biodiesel and renewable diesel have additional carbon reduction benefits beyond their manufacture. These fuels normally emit less particulate matter than any other conventional fuel source — offering one of the lowest carbon intensities of any commercially available liquid fuel. Additionally, they are virtually sulfur-free.

Prioritize biofuel at ports

As an international industry, shippers are often cognizant of the various ports they visit. Lower carbon fuels help reduce overall CO₂ emissions, helping to mitigate negative impacts on air quality.

Because the cruise line industry is more consumer-facing than the transportation sector, there may be additional pressures or benefits for these companies to lower their carbon emissions.

“The cruise line industry may need to cater to consumers who want an environmentally friendly cruise,” said Jon Scharingson, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Chevron. “And, many of the ports cruise ships visit are in big cities, so they want to ensure they’re being stewards of the local environment. We’ve worked with cruise line industries to find the blend level that meets their needs. For some this is a 50-50 mixture of renewable diesel and biodiesel, for others it may be mixing at higher or lower levels.”

The Next Wave for Marine Adoption of Biofuels

With goals to reduce CO₂ emissions and increased availability of biodiesel and renewable diesel as direct-replacement fuel solutions, the marine industry has ample reasons to make the move to lower carbon fuel solutions. Assistance from organizations like IMO, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), as well as working with Chevron can assist those in the industry looking to make the transition to lower carbon fuels.

Ready to start your lower carbon journey?

For more information about implementing lower carbon fuels in your marine vessels, go to the source and connect with our team.