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IMO: Glossary launched for better understanding of fuel life cycle assessment terminology

Low Carbon GIA has launched a free-to-access glossary to help give a better understanding of the terminology used in LCA and sustainability criteria relating to alternative bunker fuels.
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Revised IMO

The International Maritime Organization on Thursday (23 November) said a new simplified glossary has been launched to support the industry to gain a better understanding of the terminologies and phraseologies used in life cycle assessments (LCA) and sustainability criteria relating to alternative marine fuels.

The free-to-access glossary on the ‘Understanding Life cycle assessment and sustainability criteria’ was developed by the Alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels workstream of the GreenVoyage2050 Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA). It provides users with clear explanations for common terms and phrases used to describe the principles and framework for marine fuel LCAs, based on the ISO 14040:2006 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment Standard.

The list of terms explained were selected based on their inclusion in the ‘Report for the study on sustainability criteria and life cycle GHG emission assessment methods and standards for alternative marine fuels’ which was commissioned by the Low Carbon GIA and undertaken by Ricardo Energy & Environment and published in 2022.

The list of terms in the glossary is non-exhaustive, and terms as explained are in no way to be considered “agreed definitions” from an IMO perspective, and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IMO. For definitions, users of the glossary are advised to refer to ISO 14040/44 as appropriate.

Robert Masse, Fleet-Network-Terminal Efficiency (Technical Efficiency), MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Chair of the Low Carbon GIA Alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels workstream, said: “Understanding of the ISO 14040/44 Standard and how it can support the assessment of the GHG profiles of alternative fuels is key for the industry’s transition to a low carbon future. However, terms and phrases in the Standard can be confusing to anyone not fluent in ISO-language. This is why Low Carbon GIA members from across the industry focused their efforts on clarifying and simplifying this language in an online glossary that anyone can access and use to better understand LCA and the frameworks involved for the assessment of GHG emissions for marine fuels from well-to-wake.”

This work has been undertaken in parallel to the IMO Guidelines on the life cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (LCA Guidelines) that have been developed by IMO Member States, adopted in July 2023 as resolution MEPC.376(80). Work on the IMO LCA Guidelines is continuing via a correspondence group established by MEPC 80 in July 2023.

The Low Carbon GIA has been working to identify and contribute to removing key barriers to the uptake of alternative fuels through various research projects and several industry stakeholder roundtables under the Alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels workstream for many years.

To-date, resources developed that focus on supporting the industry’s adoption of alternative fuels include the aforementioned 2022 study on sustainability criteria and life cycle GHG emission assessment methods and standards for alternative marine fuels, roundtables on the certification of alternative marine fuels and, a regulatory mapping exercise that explored how alternative marine fuels and energy converters feature in key IMO Conventions and regulatory instruments. Low Carbon GIA efforts to explore different chain of custody models for the scale-up of alternative fuels is ongoing.

The Low Carbon GIA is a public-private partnership that operates under the framework of the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project. The aim of the Low Carbon GIA is to develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to decarbonizing the shipping sector. 

Note: The glossary can be accessed on the IMO GreenVoyage2050 website here. 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 27 November, 2023

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Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.
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July 11, 2025

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Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

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Biofuel

Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum receives ISCC EU certification, mulls increasing product portfolio

‘Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users,’ says Steve Goh, Head of Trading.

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July 10, 2025

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Singapore-based bunker trading firm Sea Oil Petroleum Pte Ltd (Sea Oil), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand-listed Sea Oil Public Company Limited, has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certification, learned Manifold Times.

ISCC EU is a certification scheme that verifies compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids within the European Union. It ensures that biomass and biofuels used in the EU meet specific environmental and social requirements, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and traceability throughout the supply chain.

The milestone, which took place on 22 May after two months of processing, was reflective of the company’s aim to expand its bunker fuel product offerings to clients seeking sustainable solutions, Steve Goh, Head of Trading at Sea Oil, told the bunkering publication.

“It is important for the bunkering sector to remain relevant, adapt, and play an active role in supporting shipping’s decarbonisation journey,” said Mr Goh while adding that, “this is in line with our group’s green initiative and sustainability drive.”

“As such, Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users.

“By achieving ISCC EU certification, Sea Oil will be in a better position to provide green marine fuel solutions to customers embarking on this journey towards net zero.”

Manifold Times in May reported Sea Oil welcoming a Senior Bunker Trader to its team.

The company started 2025 with an expanded team on both international and local fronts.

Sea Oil Petroleum may be reached at: [email protected]

Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum boosts Asia and international presence with new Senior Bunker Trader
Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum enters 2025 with international representatives, expanded team

 

Photo credit: Sea Oil Petroleum
Published: 10 July 2025

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Port & Regulatory

India: DGS seeking for comments for proposed national biofuel bunkering guidelines

Guidelines to align Indian practices with international conventions, contributing to a modern, resilient, and environmentally conscious maritime ecosystem.
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July 10, 2025

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DGS biofuel bunkering guidelines

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai on 3 July issued a notice inviting comments from stakeholders on the draft circular on Biofuel bunkering Guidelines.

“Increasing global emphasis on decarbonising the maritime sector has accelerated the adoption of biofuels as a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels,” it explained.

“Biofuels, particularly drop-in types such as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE), Straight Vegetable Oils (SVO), Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils (HVO), Bio-FT-diesel (bio-Fischer-Tropsch diesel) and Biomass-to-Liquid (BTL) fuels, offer considerable benefits by reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions without necessitating major modifications to existing shipboard fuel systems.

“However, the absence of standardised national guidelines for biofuel bunkering operations in India introduces potential challenges related to safety, fuel quality assurance, environmental protection, and operational consistency.”

The proposed circular aims to bridge these gaps by establishing a clear regulatory framework for permitting, operational protocols, safety management, documentation, environmental safeguards, training requirements, and enforcement mechanisms specific to biofuel bunkering.

By implementing these guidelines, the Directorate seeks to ensure safe and reliable bunkering practices, promote the use of cleaner fuels in alignment with India’s environmental commitments, and support the growth of sustainable maritime infrastructure.

The guidelines are crucial for facilitating the responsible uptake of biofuels in the shipping sector, aligning Indian practices with international conventions, contributing to a modern, resilient, and environmentally conscious maritime ecosystem.

The full draft circular on biofuel bunkering guidelines can be obtained from DGS’ website here. Comments and inputs should be sent to: [email protected] and CC to: [email protected] by 18/07/2025.

 

Photo credit: Directorate General of Shipping
Published: 10 July 2025

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