【Fuel】 Overview of Biofuel Information

As the distribution of biofuels is on the rise, we have compiled the information previously provided along with guidelines for the use of biofuels.

1. Characteristics, Properties, and Precautions of Biofuels

Biofuels can be broadly categorized into three types: FAME, HVO, and SVO.

• Characteristics of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester)

• A biodiesel fuel derived from animal fats (e.g., tallow), vegetable oils (e.g., palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil), and used cooking oil.
• Generally usable in engines either as a blended component or as a 100% drop-in fuel.
• Has a net specific energy of approximately 37 MJ/kg, about 10% lower than conventional fossil fuels.
• Offers good combustion characteristics, though its energy density is lower than fossil fuels.
• Due to its chemical composition and solvent properties, FAME has a higher affinity for water compared to petroleum-derived fuels.
• FAME is more prone to oxidation and degradation over time than petroleum-based fuels.
• Despite very low sulfur content, it provides good lubricity.
• Contains more oxygen than conventional fuels, which may reduce oxidative stability.

• Characteristics of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)

• Has an energy content per unit mass comparable to Marine Gas Oil (MGO), with a higher cetane number and shorter ignition delay.
• Extremely low sulfur content results in lower lubricity.
• Slightly lower density and viscosity compared to MGO.
• Offers high storage stability and reduced concerns regarding microbial growth and material compatibility.

• Characteristics of SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil)

• Fuel made from pure vegetable oils (e.g., rapeseed, palm, soybean) or waste cooking oil without esterification or hydrotreatment.
• Currently, there are no domestic quality standards.
• Types of feedstock:
  • Edible: rapeseed oil, soybean oil, palm oil, corn oil, other edible oils
  • Non-edible: algae, UCO (Used Cooking Oil)
• Quality control is crucial, including proper cleaning processes.
• Should be used promptly and not stored long-term.
• Technical challenges include higher viscosity, reactivity with oxygen, and higher cloud and pour points compared to conventional diesel.
• Even at low concentrations (1%), long-term use may cause engine deposits.
• While SVO uses vegetable oil directly as fuel, it requires careful handling due to quality and technical issues.

2. Issues When Using Biofuel (B24/30)

B24/30 FAME-based fuel oils are already in use on many vessels, and no major issues directly attributable to FAME have been reported by our company.

Most reported issues are believed to be related to the fossil fuel components used in the blend, such as high sulfur content, catalyst particles, and sediments—none of which are inherent problems with FAME.

Potential issues may arise if the FAME itself does not meet required quality standards such as EN14214. While no major problems have been reported so far, there is a risk of quality degradation if supply cannot keep up with growing demand.

References:

• ClassNK Guidelines on the Use of Biofuels on Ships

3. Biofuel Supply System

Future projections for the biofuel supply system include:

• According to the IEA, significant growth in biofuel production is expected between 2023 and 2028, especially in emerging economies such as Brazil, Indonesia, and India.
• S&P Global forecasts global biodiesel demand to increase from approximately 1 million barrels/day in 2022 to over 1.4 million barrels/day by 2025.
• Long-term projections suggest biofuels could account for about 25% of transport fuel demand by 2050.
• In 2024, total biodiesel demand in the Asia-Pacific region reached 11.35 million tons, a 7.3% increase from 2023.
• Marine biodiesel accounted for about 3–3.5% of total biodiesel consumption in 2023.
• Global supply of UCO (Used Cooking Oil) was about 10 million tons in 2023 and is expected to reach 15 million tons by 2030–31.
• The UCO collection process is a bottleneck for supply growth, with India, Pakistan, and Indonesia identified as potential growth areas for collection centers.
• Demand from the aviation sector is expected to surge over the next five years.
• For the maritime industry, biofuels are projected to account for 13% of global marine fuel demand by 2050 under the base scenario.
  • However, forecasts vary widely: in a low scenario, biomass may not be available for marine use, while in a high scenario, biofuels could meet up to 60% of total fuel requirements.

Please also refer to the attached guidance documents issued by classification societies and representative organizations regarding biofuels.

For any inquiries regarding these materials, feel free to contact us.