VPS’ Post

📢 We are pleased to announce the release of our latest report, “Tracking the Propensity of Biofuels Degradation Across the Maritime Supply Chain”. This report aims to shed light on our findings from tracking the quality of FAME and FAME blends as they make their way through the supply chains and on consumption onboard vessels. 🚢 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 Biofuels are increasingly adopted as a drop-in fuel for the shipping industry to reduce GHG emissions. Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), a readily available biofuel, is gaining attention as an immediate solution to comply with EU and IMO regulations. 🌿 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 Unlike conventional marine fuels, FAME-based biofuels can be unstable since its natural oils and fats can slowly oxidise when exposed to atmospheric oxygen. When oxidation happens, FAME can degrade to produce by-products, like peroxides, alcohols, and sludge, all of which can impact engine life and performance. Degradation can also be further accelerated by exposure to water, impurities, contaminants, light, and heat. This raises a crucial question: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐢s𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? 🤔 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 Encouragingly, our end-to-end supply chain trials detected no significant degradation of FAME under commercial operations conditions. ✅ These findings offer strong support for FAME use in the marine fuels supply chain. Read our report to understand how the team traced the properties of FAME and FAME blends, and tracked the parameters of FAME quality, namely acid value, viscosity, FAME content, energy content, and microbial contamination, of samples at different points along the supply chain to come to this conclusion. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 • Understanding the propensity of degradation of FAME • Tracing FAME quality in GCMD’s end-to-end supply chains • Understanding the current ISO specifications for FAME quality requirements • Contextualising GCMD’s findings per ISO specifications 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 The report is co-authored by Dr. Prapisala Thepsithar, Director of Projects, and Dr Sanjay C Kuttan, Chief Strategy Officer, at GCMD. It has also been reviewed by industry leaders: Dr. Malcolm Cooper, CEO of VPS, Captain Rahul Choudhuri, President, Strategic Partnerships, VPS, and Ms. Monique Vermeire, Fuels Technologist at Chevron. 📄 Visit our website to download our report here: https://lnkd.in/gg3Bxt5r

Great research work supporting the use of biofuels by shipping ! Today, GCMD published their research results on monitoring the quality of FAME and its mixtures with residual marine fuels throughout supply chains and during usage on ships. Over a five-month period, the study examined FAME’s behaviour during handling, transport, blending, and storage within commercial supply chains. The findings revealed no significant degradation of FAME, arising from autoxidation, hydrolytic oxidation, or microbial contamination under normal commercial operation conditions. As per the latest ISO 8217:2024 standards, the inclusion of FAME that complies with EN 14214 or ASTM D6751 standards, or their combinations with distillate and residual fuel oils, is now permissible up to a concentration of 100%. In line with this update, CIMAC WG7 has released a new guideline entitled “Marine-fuels containing FAME: A guideline for shipowners & operators,” aimed at facilitating the onboard management and utilization of such biofuels and blends. This guideline is available for download at https://lnkd.in/ewCVnm52.

The GCMD study focused on the end-to-end supply chain of FAME, from production to consumption onboard vessels, under real-world conditions rather than laboratory settings. In the trials, GCMD tracked the quality of Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME) biodiesel over five months, from its production site to its consumption in vessels. The study involved two supply chains where UCOME was blended with Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) at different concentrations. The findings showed that there was no significant degradation of FAME under commercial operating conditions, with properties remaining within ISO 8217 specifications throughout the supply chain. The study concludes that FAME can be a viable biofuel in the maritime industry, with the potential for wider adoption.

📢 Announcement alert! 📢   GCMD has teamed up with NYK Line to launch Project LOTUS, a six-month trial of biofuels use to understand their impact on engine performance and onboard systems operations. This project will trial the continuous use of a biofuels blend comprising of 24% Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) and very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) onboard a short-sea vehicle carrier that will call at multiple ports.   ❓Why are we running this pilot? FAME, a readily available biofuel derived from second-generation feedstocks, offers a promising fuel alternative for immediate GHG emissions reduction due to its compatibility with existing engines and bunkering infrastructure. However concerns remain regarding the impact of its extended use on vessel operations. Unlike conventional marine fuels, FAME can be more susceptible to chemical degradation and microbial growth, the by-products of which can corrode shipboard engine systems and/ or clog fuel delivery systems. To fully understand the opportunity FAME presents to the shipping sector, a thorough investigation of the impact on its long-term use and an evaluation of the total cost of adoption is critical.    🔍 What is the scope of the pilot? Project LOTUS aims to address this knowledge gap by establishing industry guidelines for monitoring engine and equipment performance when using biofuels. This pilot will also evaluate the total cost of ownership of using biofuels, covering the cost of fuel and additional maintenance costs associated with its use. It will also identify potential challenges, such as corrosion of engine systems and valve failures, and recommend mitigation strategies.   👥 Who are involved in this pilot? GCMD will lead Project LOTUS in collaboration with industry partners. NYK Line, a co-sponsor, will contribute the vessel and manage fuel procurement. VPS will handle fuel and lube oil analyses and Gard AS will support GCMD as an insurance and risk assessment consultant on the project.   Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/gTcJZdJY

This is a very important pilot - we need to understand the risks related to use of biofules so we can mitigate them before they cause accidents.

Biofuels are fuels derived from renewable biological resources, such as plants, algae, or animal waste. They're often touted as cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels because they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions when burned. However, their impact on the environment can vary depending on factors like the type of feedstock used, land use changes, and the efficiency of production processes. 1. Environmental Impact: - Greenhouse Gas Emissions: While biofuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, the extent of reduction depends on various factors. For example, biofuels produced from certain feedstocks and through certain processes may result in significant emissions due to land use change, fertilizer use, and energy inputs in production. - Land Use Change: Growing biofuel feedstocks can lead to deforestation, habitat loss, and increased pressure on agricultural land, which can have negative environmental consequences, including loss of biodiversity and increased carbon emissions. - Water Usage: Some biofuel production processes require significant amounts of water, which can strain local water resources and impact ecosystems if not managed sustainably. - Air and Water Pollution: Like any industrial process, biofuel production can result in air and water pollution if not properly regulated and managed. 2. Utilization Rate: - The utilization rate of biofuels refers to the proportion of total fuel consumption met by biofuels in a given area or market. It varies widely depending on factors such as government policies, technological advancements, availability of feedstocks, and market demand. - In countries with strong biofuel mandates or incentives, such as Brazil and the United States, the utilization rate can be relatively high. - However, in many regions, biofuels still make up a small fraction of total fuel consumption due to factors like limited availability of feedstocks, competing land uses, and challenges in scaling up production. To maximize the environmental benefits of biofuels, it's crucial to focus on sustainable feedstock production, efficient conversion processes, and effective regulatory frameworks to mitigate potential negative impacts. Additionally, promoting research and development in advanced biofuel technologies, such as cellulosic ethanol and algae-based biofuels, could further improve their environmental performance and increase their utilization rate in the future

Advancing Climate Solutions with Biofuels 🌳 Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from organic materials that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Here are some examples of biofuels and the materials they can be developed from,,,, 🔢 First-Generation Biofuels First-generation biofuels are made from food crops like corn, sugarcane, and soybeans 🌟 Ethanol Materials: Corn, sugarcane, sugar beet, cassava. Ethanol is commonly used as a gasoline additive or substitute. 🌟 Biodiesel Materials: Soybeans, canola oil, palm oil,sunflower oil, rapeseed oil,Coconut oil, Biodiesel can be blended with traditional diesel fuel. 🔢 Second-Generation Biofuels Second-generation biofuels are produced from non-food crops and waste materials, making them more sustainable. 🌟 Cellulosic Ethanol Materials: Agricultural residues (corn stover, wheat straw, rice straw ,tea waste), forestry residues, energy crops (switchgrass, miscanthus). 🌟 Biomass-to-Liquid (BtL) Fuels Materials: Woody biomass, coconut shells. 🔢 Third-Generation Biofuels Third-generation biofuels are derived from algae and other microorganisms, offering higher yields and less competition with arable land. 🌟 Algae Biofuels Materials: Microalgae, macroalgae. Algae can be grown in various environments, including saline water, making it a versatile and high-yield biofuel source. 🌟 Biobutanol Materials: Algae, sugarcane bagasse, Gliricidia These can be used as a direct gasoline substitute or additive, offering better energy content than ethanol. 🔢 Fourth-Generation Biofuels Fourth-generation biofuels aim to produce biofuels while simultaneously capturing and storing CO2, achieving negative carbon emissions. 🌟 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Materials: Engineered microorganisms that can produce biofuels from CO2 and sunlight. Research organizations like the Joint Bio Energy Institute (JBEI) are developing genetically modified cyanobacteria that can directly convert sunlight and CO2 into biofuels, mimicking natural photosynthesis. By leveraging these sustainable biofuel sources and practices, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change.

𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲   𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝘆: https://lnkd.in/dnvnzQuD Second Generation Biofuels, also called advanced biofuels, are special kinds of eco-friendly fuels. They're made from things like plant leftovers, wood, and unique energy crops, not the food we eat. These biofuels go through complex processes to turn these materials into fuels for vehicles, like cellulosic ethanol or renewable diesel. Second-generation biofuels are good for the environment because they don't compete with food production, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and offer a sustainable alternative to regular fuels, which is better for our planet.   𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬   Second Generation Biofuels are environmentally friendly fuels made from non-food sources like plant waste, wood, and special crops. They undergo complex processes to become fuels for vehicles, like cellulosic ethanol or renewable diesel. These biofuels are great for the environment because they don't compete with food production, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and offer a sustainable alternative to regular fuels, which helps our planet. Using Second Generation Biofuels is a smart choice for a cleaner and greener future. The Second Generation Biofuels refers to the industry that produces and sells eco-friendly fuels made from non-food sources like plant waste and special crops. It's a growing because these biofuels are better for the environment. They are used in vehicles and machines as a cleaner alternative to regular fuels. As more people and businesses seek greener energy options, the Second Generation Biofuels market is expanding. This means more jobs, investment opportunities, and a chance to reduce pollution and combat climate change. It's an important market for a sustainable and cleaner future. 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 ·       Poet, LLC (U.S.) ·       ADM (U.S.) ·       Flint Hills Resources (U.S. ·       The Andersons, Inc. (U.S.) ·       Raizen (Brazil) ·       Copersucar (Brazil)

In the potential scenario for 2050, biofuels are likely to play a significant role in the transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. By 2050, we can expect advancements in biofuel technology, increased production efficiency, and a broader range of feedstock options. 1. **Advanced Biofuel Technologies:** Researchers and engineers will have developed more advanced biofuel production methods, such as algae-based biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, and synthetic biology approaches. These technologies can increase the energy yield per acre of feedstock. 2. **Sustainability:** Biofuel production will be increasingly focused on sustainability, using non-food crops and agricultural waste as feedstock. This will reduce the competition between food and fuel production. 3. **Carbon Reduction:** Biofuels will continue to be seen as a viable option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. They can be blended with or replace traditional fossil fuels, further reducing carbon emissions. 4. **Electric Vehicles:** While electric vehicles (EVs) are likely to become more common, biofuels could still have a role, particularly in sectors where electrification is challenging, such as aviation and long-haul shipping. 5. **Global Policies:** Government policies and regulations will have a significant impact on the growth and adoption of biofuels. In 2050, there may be more stringent carbon reduction targets and incentives for using sustainable biofuels. Overall, biofuels will continue to evolve and be an essential component of the global energy mix in 2050, helping to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, their exact role will depend on technological advancements, policy decisions, and market dynamics. #palmoil

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐟𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲: 𝐀 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 India's National Policy on Biofuels, introduced in 2018, outlines the country's strategic approach to biofuel production and utilization, aiming to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development. Here are the key elements of the policy: 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒊𝒐𝒇𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒔: 𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚌 𝙱𝚒𝚘𝚏𝚞𝚎𝚕𝚜: First-generation biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. 𝙰𝚍𝚟𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝙱𝚒𝚘𝚏𝚞𝚎𝚕𝚜: Second-generation biofuels such as ethanol from agricultural residues, bio-CNG, and other advanced technologies. 𝑭𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Encourages the use of various feedstocks, including non-food sources like agricultural residues, industrial waste, and municipal solid waste, to avoid competition with food crops. 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔: 𝚂𝚞𝚋𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚃𝚊𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜: Financial support to reduce the cost of biofuel production. 𝚅𝚒𝚊𝚋𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝙶𝚊𝚙 𝙵𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐: Provides funding to cover the difference between the cost of biofuel production and the market price. 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: - 𝙸𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚟𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜: Funding for R&D in advanced biofuel technologies to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. - India has set up several advanced bio-refineries with a production capacity of 2G ethanol, including a major refinery in Panipat, Haryana, inaugurated in 2022 with an annual production capacity of 100 kiloliters. 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔: - Ensures biofuel production adheres to environmental sustainability criteria, reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and protecting biodiversity. - The policy estimates that the use of ethanol-blended petrol could reduce CO2 emissions by 19 million tons annually. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The biofuel sector has the potential to create around 700,000 jobs, particularly in rural areas. 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: By 2030, the biofuel policy aims to generate an additional revenue stream of INR 1 trillion (~USD 13 billion) for farmers by utilizing agricultural residues. 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: The policy aims to save around INR 30,000 crore (~USD 4 billion) in foreign exchange annually by reducing oil imports. India's biofuel policy aims to create a robust biofuel sector, contributing to energy independence, rural economic development, and environmental sustainability. The strategic focus on second-generation biofuels, in particular, leverages India's agricultural and industrial waste, supporting a circular economy and enhancing overall energy security. #NatureJoules #AdvaitaBiofuel #SustainableEnergy #GreenEnergy #CleanEnergy #2GBiofuel #Biofuel