Handling of the use of biofuels on ships

Biofuels are renewable fuels produced from biological organisms (biomass) in which the primary raw materials used are vegetable oils. Biofuels do not emit sulphur oxides (SOx) during combustion; moreover, they are generally considered to be carbon neutral because the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) they do emit during combustion tends to be absorbed by source plants, etc. during their growing stage. In addition, biofuel usage can also be advantageous when used as a drop-in marine fuel (depending on fuel type) because modifications of existing marine diesel engines converted over to biofuel use are typically not required.

For these reasons, the number of biofuel trials being held has been increasing in recent years; this, in turn, has led to a corresponding increase in the number of inquiries received related to biofuel usage. Since these inquiries tend to be about various matters and not just general information requests, we have prepared the following questions and answers for your reference in order to better support safe and proper operation when using biofuels on ships.