Biomethane fuel a critical component to decarbonise the maritime industry and meet climate targets, says World Biogas Association in position paper
Ahead of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s expected formal adoption of new Net Zero regulations next month, the World Biogas Association (WBA) has published a position paper for the maritime industry highlighting how biomethane fuel is an essential component in the drive to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and meet its climate targets.
“Integration of biomethane into fuel strategies is critical to the maritime industry’s successful transition to net zero,” said WBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton OBE.
“Biomethane represents a practical, scalable and immediate pathway towards the decarbonisation of the sector. As a renewable, low-carbon fuel, it can leverage existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and vessels while aligning with the IMO’s climate targets.”
Shipping is responsible for almost 3% of global emissions. The IMO is aiming for a 20% cut by 2030 and at least 70% by 2050 on 2004 levels.
In the paper, WBA demonstrates the contribution biomethane can make towards achieving those targets and advocates for the accelerated deployment of biomethane in maritime applications. Its paper describes how biomethane offers a credible, near-term decarbonisation option for a subset of routes and vessels, while laying the groundwork for deeper integration of renewable fuels in the long term.
It makes clear policy recommendations and specifies the industry action points and R&I activities required for a successful integration of biomethane as a viable, scalable and immediate decarbonisation solution for maritime transport, compatible with pathways for future fuels such as e-methanol, hydrogen and other synthetic gases.
“With the right policy frameworks and industry investments, biomethane should play an important role in achieving global maritime climate targets,” continues Charlotte Morton. “It’s time to give biomethane the recognition it deserves as a valuable part of maritime decarbonisation and in the coming years WBA will continue championing its uptake and will work with the IMO to ensure the new Net Zero regulations include our key policy asks ”, she concludes.
Read the position paper here.
