Wallem Group Unveils Comprehensive Guidelines for Sustainable Marine Biofuels

Wallem Group,a prominent player in the global maritime industry,has released an insightful whitepaper aimed at helping ships and their crews effectively integrate biofuels into their daily operations. Titled ‘Marine Biofuels: Adoption, Use, and Best Practices,’ this document highlights the role of biofuels in reducing carbon emissions while providing essential guidelines for ship owners and crew members to navigate the complexities of using these fuels.

As ship operators look for ways to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels have emerged as a viable option—especially when alternatives like zero-carbon hydrogen or e-methanol are still in advancement. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set standards indicating that permissible emissions from biofuel use should be at least 65% lower then those from Marine Gas Oil (MGO).

However, transitioning to biofuels isn’t without its hurdles. Abhijit Ghosh, Wallem’s Head of Maritime Technology and Innovation, points out that these fuels generally have a lower energy content compared to traditional fossil fuels.This difference necessitates careful consideration by procurement teams and vessel operators alike.

The whitepaper delves into the regulatory framework governing marine biofuels while addressing compliance with IMO standards. It emphasizes the importance of transparency due to variations in fuel quality from batch to batch. The document also discusses how blends containing fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) can affect storage tanks and machinery performance while highlighting potential issues like microbial growth or clogging that could arise if blending is not managed properly.

Drawing on its extensive experience, Wallem offers specific advice for ship owners regarding what assurances they should seek from equipment suppliers before adopting biofuels. Additionally, it outlines best practices for testing fuel quality and maintaining systems through proper materials selection and regular maintenance routines such as tank cleaning.For long-term adoption of biofuels, retrofitting engines with durable components is recommended—think hardened fuel pumps or corrosion-resistant coatings—to ensure reliability over time.

Moreover, addressing training gaps among crew members is crucial; wallem suggests implementing robust monitoring systems alongside comprehensive training programs so personnel can confidently manage new fuel types safely.

Ghosh notes that combining real-time digital tracking with well-trained crews can significantly enhance operational efficiency within modern fleets: “A centralized system allows us to monitor consumption patterns closely.”

To explore more about integrating marine biofuels into your operations effectively, you can download Wallem’s whitepaper ‘Marine Biofuels: adoption, Use, and Best Practices’ by clicking HERE.Stay updated with daily insights by subscribing to our newsletter—join our community of over 109k maritime professionals!