Hong Kong, May 2025 — As demand for sustainable marine fuels continues to rise, Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, has released a comprehensive whitepaper titled “Marine Biofuels: Adoption, Use and Best Practice”, providing critical operational guidance for shipowners and bunker buyers navigating the technical and regulatory complexities of biofuel adoption.
With biofuels gaining traction as a drop-in alternative to traditional marine fuels, Wallem’s report underscores both the opportunities and serious risks involved in their integration into shipboard systems. While biofuels—mainly blends containing Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME)—can reduce lifecycle emissions by over 65% compared to Marine Gas Oil (MGO), the report highlights the need for meticulous planning, testing, and crew training before use.
Key Takeaways for Bunker Industry Stakeholders:
Certification and Regulatory Challenges:
IMO-compliant biofuels must achieve a well-to-wake emissions intensity below 33 gCO2e/MJ. However, market trust is under pressure amid reports that up to 40% of biofuels in some regions may carry fraudulent certifications. Wallem advises that only RED II- or ISCC-certified fuels should be accepted, and Proof of Sustainability (PoS) documentation must accompany every bunkering.
Technical and Operational Risks:
- Microbial Growth: FAME’s hygroscopic nature promotes sludge and pipeline blockages. Biocides and tank coatings are essential.
- Injector Fouling and Cold Flow Issues: Improper blend management has led to dry-docking, filter clogging, and propulsion loss in cold climates.
- Material Compatibility: Brass, copper, and certain elastomers degrade with biofuel exposure. Upgrades to Viton, Fluorocarbon, or stainless-steel components are recommended.
Storage and Handling Precautions:
Biofuels degrade faster than conventional fuels and should ideally be used within 2–3 months of bunkering. Recirculation systems, tank cleaning, and separate storage tanks for incompatible blends are recommended. The report calls for strict batch-based testing and use of ISO 8217:2024-compliant fuels.
Machinery & System Readiness:
From marine engines to boilers, biofuel use can trigger wear, corrosion, and sensor malfunctions. Wallem recommends retrofits such as hardened fuel pumps, injector upgrades, and real-time monitoring tools. For long-term adoption, collaboration with OEMs is essential.
EU and IMO Compliance:
- EU ETS & Fuel EU Maritime assess well-to-wake emissions; documentation from ISCC/RSB schemes is required.
- IMO CII allows tank-to-wake accounting but mandates blend-specific carbon factor calculations.
Non-compliant documentation or unapproved fuels can result in penalties and invalidate emission credits or insurance claims.
Training and Digitalisation as Enablers:
The report identifies a training gap among crew and operators. Wallem urges investment in crew education and centralised digital systems to monitor fuel use, ensure safety, and maintain regulatory compliance.
“The combination of a skilled crew and a real-time digital tracking system can be transformative in making maritime fleets biofuel-ready,” said Abhijit Ghosh, Head of Maritime Technology and Innovation, Wallem Group.
As the shipping industry seeks short- to mid-term emission reductions, Wallem’s guidance offers a clear roadmap—one that bunker suppliers, ship managers, and technical operators would do well to follow to avoid costly compliance and operational missteps.
Click Here to Download the whitepaper from Wallem Group website
About Wallem Group
Founded in 1903, Wallem Group is one of the maritime industry’s most established and trusted service providers, offering world-class ship management, agency, crew, commercial, and vessel IT services. With a legacy of innovation—including being the world’s first third-party ship manager—Wallem supports global clients in navigating the complexities of modern shipping with safety, efficiency, and sustainability at its core.
With offices and operations across Asia and a global pool of over 6,000 seafarers, Wallem combines deep technical expertise with digital innovation to support the evolving needs of shipowners, charterers, and the wider maritime community. Guided by a vision to serve the Ship of the Future, Wallem remains committed to excellence, collaboration, and putting people at the heart of maritime operations.
Source Wallem Group