Full steam ahead?

Environmental impacts of expanding the supply of maritime biofuels for the International Maritime Organisation targets

The UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is in the process of evaluating proposals for binding targets aimed at decarbonising international shipping. Whatever the ultimate form of this regulation, there will likely be significant implications for the production of biofuels for shipping. Until now, these have played only a minor role in the maritime fuel mix, and there is a risk that the IMO will repeat the mistakes of past fuel policies in other sectors.

This report for Transport and Environment examines and models potential environmental consequences of such a shift, and concludes with policy recommendations for mitigating the worst impacts of biofuel feedstock consumption as well as for reducing future overall demand for maritime fuel.