HomeBiofuel (B30→B100) Readiness Made Simple: 2025 Update

Biofuel (B30→B100) Readiness Made Simple: 2025 Update

September 17, 2025

Biofuel readiness means your ship can safely use blends like B30 up to B100. In practice that is FAME biodiesel or HVO renewable diesel. You check the fuel spec, confirm engine maker guidance, prepare tanks and filters, and keep the right sustainability papers. Start with a small blend like B20 or B30, watch filters and performance, then move up if it looks good.

🧪 What is it and Keep it Simple — Biofuel (B30→B100) Readiness

Biofuel at sea is usually FAME biodiesel or HVO renewable diesel. Blends like B30 to B100 can work on many ships with a few checks and some basic housekeeping. The climate benefit is counted from source to use, not only at the exhaust.

  • Know the fuel: Ask the supplier to state the blend and key properties. Use current ISO 8217 specs. Check cold filter plugging point if you sail in cold water.
  • Check with the maker: Most engine makers allow FAME and HVO on many models. HVO behaves most like MGO. Get the written guidance for your engine type.
  • Prepare the system: Clean the tank before first use. Fit good filters. Plan for water draining and regular sampling. Keep a small stock turnover so fuel stays fresh.
  • Watch performance: FAME has lower energy per tonne than MGO. Do not expect the blend % to equal fuel savings. Track SFOC, filter condition, and any alarms.
  • Cold operations: In cold trades use winter grade fuel or blend with MGO or HVO. Keep lines and filters protected from low temperatures.
  • Paperwork: Keep sustainability certificates and delivery notes. Record the blend used and the voyage. This helps with rules like FuelEU Maritime.
  • How to start: Trial B20 or B30 for 30 to 60 days on one ship. If stable, expand to more ships or higher blends.
Biofuel (B30 to B100) Readiness — Advantages and Disadvantages
Category Advantages Disadvantages Notes / Considerations
GHG and air emissions Lower well to wake GHG vs fossil. HVO often near fossil-like combustion with less smoke. FAME has lower energy per tonne, so more fuel mass to move the same cargo. Use certified factors for each pathway. Do not assume blend percent equals savings.
Engine compatibility Most makers allow FAME blends and HVO with basic checks. HVO behaves most like MGO. High blends on some models may need extra review or flag approval. Get written guidance for your engine type and keep it with the tech file.
Fuel quality and stability Modern testing can screen oxidation stability, metals, and contaminants. FAME can oxidize and form deposits if stored too long or too warm. Specify ISO 8217:2024 grades. Ask for stability and acid number. Keep samples.
Cold flow and climate Winter grade supply and HVO blending can support cold trades. FAME can gel at low temperatures and block filters. Check CFPP and pour point. Heat traces and filter jackets may be needed.
Storage and housekeeping Clean tanks and good filtration reduce early issues. Water uptake and microbial growth risk with FAME. Drain water bottoms. Use biocide where allowed. Rotate stock more often.
Materials and seals HVO is close to MGO for elastomer and seal behavior. Some older seals, paints, and hoses may soften or leak with high FAME. Confirm elastomer lists with engine and pump makers before B50 to B100.
NOx, SOx, PM Sulfur stays low. Often lower PM and smoke at like for like load. NOx can shift slightly with some blends. Type approval limits still apply. Keep SCR and EGR in spec. Log any NOx changes after the switch.
Compliance and credits Helps with GHG intensity rules and can improve CII on energy basis. Credit depends on certified pathway and book and claim paperwork. Keep sustainability certificates and chain of custody records by voyage.
Cost and availability Spot HVO and FAME supply is growing at key hubs. Premium over VLSFO or MGO is common and varies by port and feedstock. Lock in framework deals where possible. Plan ports where product is consistent.
Performance and range Clean burn, often smoother starts on HVO. Good for local air quality in port. Lower energy per tonne for FAME reduces range for the same tank volume. Adjust fuel planning. Use HVO for long legs if available and priced right.
Bunkering and testing Suppliers now state blend percent and key cold flow data on BDN. Blend variance and contamination risk if lines are not flushed. Request pre-delivery COQ. Flush bunker lines. Take drip samples and retain sets.
Crew and ops Simple handling steps and clear checklists reduce surprise alarms. Learning curve on filter care, water draining, and cold starts. Make a one page guide per ship. Log filter ∆P and separator waste daily at first.
Warranty and class Many makers issue letters for blends and HVO when specs are met. Using off spec fuel can risk warranty or require extra inspections. Keep maker letters, test reports, and delivery notes with the logbook.
Scale up path Start at B20 to B30, then increase with data and stable operation. Jumping to high blends without prep can trigger filter and injector issues. Pilot on one ship for 30 to 60 days. Review KPIs before rolling out.
KPIs and proof Clear tracking of fuel, SFOC, alarms, and lube trends builds trust. Attribution can be hard if weather or routing also changed. Compare against matched baseline legs. Keep a simple monthly scorecard.
Summary: Biofuel readiness is a practical near term step. Use current fuel specs, confirm engine maker limits, prepare storage and filters, and keep clean records. Start with a modest blend, monitor closely, then scale when the data is stable.
🧮 Biofuel (B30→B100) Readiness — ROI
Fuel cost delta / year
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ETS savings / year
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Net annual impact
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Payback (discounted)
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NPV / IRR
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Abatement cost ($/tCO₂e)
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Defaults: B30 FAME trial priced above fossil; HVO premium varies by port. “Credited CO₂ reduction” depends on your scheme and certificates. Energy penalty reflects FAME lower heating value; HVO often ~0–2% (set to 2% if needed).
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