Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Friday (7 August) said Concawe, a division of the European Fuel Manufacturers Association, has published a comprehensive guideline outlining a structured process for assessing the suitability of new materials used in the production and blending of marine fuels.
FOBAS said it significantly contributed to the development of this document.
“The guideline establishes a robust framework for evaluating whether new materials are safe, compatible, and effective for use in marine fuel applications, supporting the shipping industry’s transition towards lower-carbon and ultimately carbon-neutral operations,” it said in a bulletin.
The scope covers both conventional and non-conventional fuel components, including but not limited to off-specification FAME, feedstocks derived from vegetable oils, biomass waste, used oils, recycled materials, forestry residues, and other lignocellulosic resources.
The assessment process includes laboratory testing, technical documentation, and collaboration between fuel producers, users, and other industry stakeholders.
Where required, the process may culminate in sea trials to validate fuel performance under operational conditions and confirm suitability for onboard use.
“It should be noted that the guideline focuses exclusively on the technical assessment of new materials,” FOBAS added.
“Sustainability considerations, including lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental attributes associated with marine fuels produced from these materials, are outside the scope of the document.”
Note: The report can be accessed here.
Photo credit: Louis Reed from Unsplash
Published: 11 August, 2026
