Alternative Fuels

IMO Update by DNV: Marine Environment Protection Committee – MEPC 78

An extended exchange of views took place on the scheduled revision of the IMO GHG Strategy but with no new decisions being made, says DNV.

Published

3 years ago

June 13, 2022

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Classification society DNV on Saturday (11 June) published ‘IMO UPDATE: MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE – MEPC 78’.

It focuses on highlights of the 78th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 78) that was held remotely from 6 to 10 June 2022 including approval of a proposal for a sulphur emission control area (SECA) in the Mediterranean Sea, reporting of flashpoint in the Bunker Delivery Note and discussions on market-based measures.

The following are extracts from the full document:

Meeting highlights

Finalization of guidelines for the EEXI, CII and SEEMP
Consideration of revisions to the IMO GHG Strategy and future technical and market-based measures
Approval of a new sulphur emission control area (SECA) expected to take effect from 1 July 2025, subject to final adoption at MEPC 79 in December 2022
Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex I and the IBC Code on watertight doors
Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex II on the Hazard
Evaluation Procedure for chemical tanker products
Extension of the ballast water experience building phase

Reporting of flashpoint in the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN)

Following the approval of amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 by MSC 105 in relation to the flashpoint of oil fuel, amendments to Appendix V of MARPOL Annex VI (Information to be included in the BDN) were approved subject to adoption at MEPC 79. The following new item has been added to the BDN: “Flashpoint (°C) or a statement that flashpoint has been measured at or above 70°C”.

Unified interpretations

MEPC approved a unified interpretation of Regulation 18.3 of MARPOL Annex VI with regard to the use of biofuels. The amendment clarifies that fuels with a biofuel content up to 30% in principle fall under the definition of marine fuel oil derived from petroleum refining (Regulation 18.3.1) and no further NOx testing is required. For fuels with a biofuel content of more than 30%, it needs to be verified that the engine is not altered beyond the approved parts and settings of the NOx Technical File (Regulation 18.3.2) in order to not require NOx testing.

Revision of the IMO GHG Strategy

There was an extended exchange of views on the scheduled revision of the IMO GHG Strategy, but with no new decisions being made. The main divergence in views between countries is the split between those calling for full decarbonization by 2050, and those calling for further assessments on feasibility and impacts on states before such a decision can be made.

The MEPC will adhere to the established workplan on this matter and make its decision at MEPC 80 in July 2023. Further discussions will take place at an intersessional meeting agreed to be held back-to-back with MEPC 79 in December 2022. There is also the expectation that an intersessional meeting will be held in the spring of 2023 dedicated to this matter.

Mid and long-term measures to reduce GHG emissions

There was an extensive discussion on potential mid and long-term measures at the intersessional meeting held two weeks prior to MEPC 78. At this meeting, proposals for various market-based measures were discussed:

A levy system based on absolute well-to-wake GHG emissions. The GHG price is determined by the IMO.
A levy system based on CII performance, where ships with CII performance below a benchmark pay a contribution per tonne CO2, and ships with performance above the benchmark receive a reward. The contribution is determined by the IMO, while the reward depends on the level of achievement of the fleet.
A levy system based on absolute tank-to-wake CO2 emissions where the revenues are partly used to provide a direct rebate to zero-emission vessels. The CO2 price and rebate are determined by the IMO.
An emissions cap-and-trade system, similar to the EU ETS, where the well-to-wake GHG emission level is set by the IMO and allowances are auctioned out. The carbon price is then determined by the market.

Additionally, there were discussions on a proposed technical measure in the form of a well-to-wake GHG intensity fuel standard.

MEPC 78 did not develop these proposals further, and discussions will continue at an intersessional meeting prior to MEPC 79 and following meetings. The decision on which measures to develop into regulations will be made at MEPC 80 in July 2023

On-board CO2 capture

Due to time constraints, only a very brief discussion was held on provisions for taking into account on-board CO2 capture in instruments such as the EEDI and CII. The topic will be discussed further at future meetings.

Lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels

An intersessional working group prior to MEPC 78 developed draft guidelines on lifecycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels. The work will continue through a correspondence group reporting to MEPC 80 in July 2023.

Identification and protection of special areas, ECAs and PSSAs

MEPC 78 considered and approved a proposal for a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) to be established in the Mediterranean Sea. The proposal is subject for adoption at MEPC 79 in December of this year, and is expected to take effect from 1 July 2025. The requirement will be the same as for other SECAs, mandating the use of fuel oil with a sulphur content of 0.10% or of an EGCS.

Recommendations

DNV recommends that our customers evaluate possible technical and operational modifications to comply with the upcoming GHG requirements and, when applicable, to prepare and submit an EEXI

Technical File and a SEEMP Part III for verification.

Note: The full version of this news can be downloaded here.

Photo credit and source: DNV
Published: 13 June, 2022

Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:

Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

Shipping Corridor

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe shipping corridor

Corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton.

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe green shipping corridor

Korean non-government organisation Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) on Wednesday (23 April) released a report proposing the establishment of a green methanol-fuelled South Korea-Europe shipping corridor.

The proposed corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, presenting strategic pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

South Korea has announced its “Greenship-K Program” to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and set a national goal to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050.

Focusing on a green methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operation model, the report quantitatively assessed the potential for greenhouse gas reduction along key routes. Notably, the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek route alone is estimated to reduce more than 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, given its high cargo volume.

The report proposed the adoption of green methanol as the primary fuel for the corridor, with a long-term goal to transition toward e-methanol. This shift is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional fossil fuel use.

Beyond fuel switching, the report emphasised the importance of securing a stable green fuel supply chain, establishing supportive legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering close public-private cooperation among shipping companies, cargo owners, port operators, and fuel suppliers to make the corridor a viable reality.

“With these foundational elements in place, Pyeongtaek Port is well positioned to become the starting point of Korea’s transition toward a decarbonised maritime sector,” SFOC said.

Note: The full report by SFOC can be viewed here and it is also available in Korean here.

Photo credit: Solutions for Our Climate
Published: 25 April, 2025

Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process.

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications.

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage.

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025