IBIA puts spotlight on alternative fuels during IMO’s GHG negotiations

IBIA brought the perspectives of alternative fuel producers to the IMO during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15), the week-long meeting that has set the scene for crucial negotiations to finalise the IMO’s revised GHG Strategy during MEPC 80.

We held a presentation to elaborate on points made in ISWG-GHG 15/3/5 – a paper we developed in cooperation with the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA), the Methanol Institute (MI) and the European Biodiesel Board (EBB).

IBIA’s Director and IMO Representative, Unni Einemo, set the scene with the following key messages:

• IBIA members are increasingly involved in the supply of alternative fuels, or are preparing to do so
• IMO’s GHG emission reduction targets must be supported by regulations to guarantee steady growth in the uptake of low and zero emission fuels and technologies, otherwise progress will be too slow
• The supply side needs a clear demand signal to make the necessary investments in the production and distribution of low and zero emission fuels and technologies
• GHG emission reductions must be on a Well-to-Wake basis to be truly sustainable; production of low-GHG fuels should not cause overall lifecycle emissions to increase
• Default Well-to-Tank emission values can form a baseline, but should be sufficiently conservative to encourage producers to demonstrate better performance through relevant certification and verification schemes
• The IMO’s LCA framework should enable fuel producers to make use of relevant and credible GHG intensity certification schemes

During our presentation, Conor Fürstenberg Stott showed the potential for producing low-carbon ammonia and the work AEA is doing on developing a certification scheme for ammonia to account for the GHG emissions associated with production. Matthías Ólafsson (MI) shared forecasts for the growth in bio-methanol and e-methanol production, highlighting also the growth in newbuilds that are ready to use methanol as fuel. Cailean Macleod (EBB) highlighted facts regarding both the prospects and challenges for using sustainable biofuels in the maritime sector.  To round up the session, Ed Glossop, Head of Sustainable Operations at Bunker Holding Group shared observations on the energy transition as seen from a world-leading marine fuel re-seller.

It was a great example of IBIA bringing industry stakeholders with shared interests together to bring a strong message to the IMO about the policy tools we need to get the transition to sustainable marine energy well and truly underway.

You can read our submission here: ISWG-GHG 15/3/5

You can see the presentation here: CLICK HERE