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Analysis points to biofuels to reduce seaborne trade emissions

According to an analysis by the independent foundation Det Norske Veritas (DNV), biofuels currently offer the best option for mitigating expected emissions increases in the seaborne trade sector, writes Erin Voegele in biomassmagazine.com, 25.01.13.

International seaborne trade is growing. While the shipping industry is currently responsible for 3 % of global emissions, DNV projects that share could grow to 10 % by 2050 if mitigation measures are not taken. The position paper published by DNV investigates methods to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with marine shipping. 

The position paper, titled “Pathways to Low Carbon Shipping—Abatement Potential Towards 2050,” models the most relevant alternative fuel types for ships through 2050, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels and nuclear. According to the analysis, LNG and nuclear have been assigned relative tank-to-propeller emissions reductions of 20 % and 100 %, compared to heavy fuel oil (HFO) or marine diesel oil (MGO). Biofuels were assigned a 50 % reduction on a well-to-propeller basis.

To reach a goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 60 % compared with today’s levels, there are two possible scenarios, said DNV in the analysis. One is to allow nuclear power. The other is to provide financial incentives for biofuels.

From the existing alternatives, the use of biofuels standards out as the best option, considering the overall environmental, safety and security impacts,”

said DNV in a release. 

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