Page 166 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

taken in any of the main modes of transport, as
it promotes the best available and cost-efficient
fuels in the short term whilst allowing the indus-
try to research and invest in more scalable clean
technologies for the future without compromis-
ing today’s decarbonisation efforts.
However, the establishment of consistent poli-
cies within the maritime industry is crucial to fos-
tering growth and instilling confidence among
investors. As highlighted by leading classifica-
tion society DNV in its recent interim fleet impact
Sustainable renewable fuels are report commissioned by the IMO, the sector is
essential for the decarbonisation evidently not going to have enough of all future
of maritime transport in the fuels. Without waste-based biofuels, Europe will
medium term, according to the likely lack the alternative fuels to meet the ambi-
Draghi report. tious medium-term deadlines set out in FuelEU
and RED III in time.
Recently, the European Shipowners’ Associa-
tion requested a blending mandate for the use
of renewable fuels in ships, similar to the SAF
mandate for planes. As EWABA, we believe in a
pragmatic approach that includes a wide range
of fuels and technologies with a tech-neutral
approach. This would allow cost-efficient decar-
bonisation as well as flexibility and innovation for
scaling up all needed future fuels.
Over the past five years, the waste-based and
biodiesel industry has invested heavily in techno-
wide range of blends (up to B100, 100% biofuel) logical advancements to retrofit biodiesel plants,
of waste-based biodiesel that can help optimise build new production facilities, optimise produc-
quality and economy. tion capacity, and enhance the ability to process
Biofuels are especially crucial as many vessels lower-grade waste feedstocks that so far have
cannot easily switch to alternative renewable been very difficult to utilise.
fuels due to the current lack of infrastructure and In these times of energy insecurity, domestic
grid capacity constraints, as well as other design, renewable fuel production is key to supporting
safety, and supply constraints. the European industry in its energy transition.
Since 2023, EWABA has established an EWABA Enhancing energy security by reducing the reli-
Maritime Task Force chaired by our member ance on imported fossil fuels is a sign of strength
Bunker Holding to provide a forum among our and prosperity, and this should be the continent’s
members for knowledge sharing on the use long-term aim.
and demand for biofuels in the maritime sector. Our industry stands ready to significantly increase
EWABA members already supply the shipping deliveries to the shipping sector to achieve the
industry with volumes of renewable waste-based new ambitious EU maritime decarbonisation
and advanced biodiesel, albeit these volumes are objectives. The waste-based biodiesel industry
expected to significantly increase from 2025 is one of the sectors that can help support the
onwards. immediate and cost-efficient “decarbonisation
In terms of scaling up volumes, the revised Annex of a set of hard-to-abate segments”, such as the
IX of RED has introduced a significant number of maritime industry, which is in line with the Draghi
new feedstocks in Part A and Part B for the pro- report.
duction of waste-derived biofuels. What would be The way to achieve the ambitious targets set by
now needed is the abolishment of the 1.7% cap on the EU is to incorporate a mix of the best available
biofuels derived from feedstocks set out in part solutions to decarbonise shipping as efficiently
B of Annex IX of the Renewable Energy Directive and promptly as possible. In this context, we are
so those fuels can contribute much more to the really looking forward to the Clean Marine Fuels
ambitious targets set by the EU. Platform’s significant contribution to the dialogue
From our point of view, FuelEU is the most tech- about all the vital renewable fuels available on the
nologically neutral approach that the EU has path towards the decarbonisation of shipping.

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