At ABLC 2025, there was substantial discussion highlighting the growing momentum and progress in the area of sustainable marine fuels. Several key themes and developments emerged:

• Recognition of a Missed Opportunity: It was noted early in the program that the biofuel industry has significantly underestimated and under-addressed the potential of sustainable marine fuels, with the concept of “farm to float” being considerably less emphasized than “farm to fly” (SAF). This is seen as a “big miss” given the substantial and growing demand in the maritime sector.

• Demand from the Shipping Industry: Major players in the shipping industry, such as Marisk and CMA CGM, are actively investing in the transition by ordering dual-fuel ships capable of using alternative fuels. TUI, a cruise ship company, has also ordered dual-fuel systems, indicating a clear demand signal for sustainable marine fuels. These companies are expressing a direct interest in using these fuels in their engines.

• Focus on Green Methanol: Sustainable marine green methanol was specifically highlighted as a significant opportunity, with keynote speakers bringing it to the forefront. The potential for technologies used in SAF production to also produce green methanol for marine use was noted.

◦ Ensyn is collaborating with the Versin Center in Nova Scotia on a pilot project focused on catalytic thermal conversion to produce enhanced bio crude specifically for the marine sector.

◦ Haffner Energy‘s technology can produce singas suitable for methanol production, which is a potential marine fuel.

◦ ORNL (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) is conducting research on marine biofuel opportunities, including assessing the potential of bio-intermediates as fuel blends and working with the DOT MARAD on relevant studies. They are also planning pilot fuel studies for various marine engine types using fuels like fast-pyrolysis bio-oil and HTL biocrude.

• Emphasis on Ethanol as a Marine Fuel: A significant portion of the discussion focused on the potential of ethanol as a viable and readily available sustainable marine fuel.

◦ Wärtsilä, a major engine manufacturer, has developed methanol and, crucially, ethanol-capable engines, including a dual-fuel alcohol engine that can burn both methanol and ethanol.

Ethanol is considered safer and easier to handle than methanol and possesses a better calorific value.

◦ Globally, there is a large existing production capacity of ethanol (15.6 billion gallons in the US and 30 billion gallons internationally), along with established logistics and storage infrastructure in key shipping corridors, making it a near-term solution. The transition to using ethanol as a marine fuel primarily requires converting existing storage facilities into fueling facilities.

◦Marquis highlighted their collaboration with Wärtsilä to advance ethanol as a marine fuel, emphasizing the immediate availability of ethanol as a decarbonization solution for the maritime sector. A recent bid by Petrobras in Brazil for ethanol-capable vessels was also noted.

Bio Crude Potential:

While primarily discussed in the context of refinery co-processing, the potential for bio crude derived from technologies like Enen’s fast pyrolysis to contribute to marine fuels was acknowledged, even though it might require further upgrading and currently leans towards gasoline-range products.

Policy and Incentives: 

The role of IMO’s CO2 reduction targets is a key driver for the maritime industry’s interest in alternative fuels. While not discussed in detail, the need for supportive policies and incentives similar to those for SAF will likely be crucial for the widespread adoption of sustainable marine fuels.

ABLC 2025 revealed a growing awareness and significant progress in the development and adoption of sustainable marine fuels. While green methanol is gaining traction, ethanol emerged as a particularly promising near-term solution due to its existing infrastructure and engine technology advancements. Ongoing research into bio crude and other advanced biofuels also holds potential for the future decarbonization of the maritime sector.