Comprehensive Study Highlights the Stability of Biodiesel in Maritime Supply Chains

The Global Center for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD), established by Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, has released a detailed report evaluating the performance and stability of biodiesel, specifically Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME), as a marine fuel. With a longstanding history of use in road transport, biodiesel is increasingly being integrated into maritime applications due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to blend seamlessly with conventional fossil fuels.

The GCMD’s investigation focused on the real-world performance of FAME in marine fuel supply chains, addressing potential concerns such as fuel degradation and contamination. First-generation biodiesel is derived by reacting natural fats—such as vegetable oils or animal fats—with methanol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. This process produces FAME and a smaller quantity of glycerol. After thorough purification, FAME is incorporated into diesel blends used widely across the United States and Europe.

In contrast to next-generation renewable diesel, which uses hydrocracking to produce a fuel identical to fossil diesel, first-generation FAME has unique characteristics. While it offers several advantages, it can degrade over time due to exposure to water and oxygen, both of which are common in marine environments. Additionally, FAME can become contaminated in storage tanks if bacteria or mold are present, potentially leading to sludge formation in fuel systems and corrosion from organic acids produced during its oxidation process.

To explore these challenges, GCMD monitored the use of FAME on 13 vessels that bunkered at three different ports, supplied by four distinct fuel providers. The research included sampling FAME at various stages from production to loading onto bunker barges, assessing whether it experienced contamination or degradation during midstream storage and transport.

The results of the study were promising. Over five months, no significant changes were observed in the biodiesel’s quality during storage, transport, or blending processes. The fuel maintained its integrity without notable increases in acidity, sludge formation, or biological contamination.

The GCMD report underscores the potential for biodiesel to become a more widely adopted marine fuel. The findings highlight the need for the shipping industry to continue building a robust database of best practices for the handling and use of biofuels, ensuring their stability and performance in commercial operations.

As the shipping industry progresses towards more sustainable fuel options, studies like this one are crucial in guiding the transition to greener supply chains.

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