世界船用燃料掀“生物热”

Core Insights - The demand for marine biofuels is surging as the shipping industry seeks to reduce carbon emissions, with biofuels becoming a popular choice due to their low-carbon attributes [1][3][5] - The total volume of biofuels sold at major international ports like Singapore and Rotterdam is projected to increase from approximately 300,000 tons in 2021 to over 1.6 million tons by 2024 [1] - The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set clear net-zero emissions targets, prompting countries to implement policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the shipping sector [3][5] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The two most common types of marine biofuels are fatty acid methyl esters and hydrogenated vegetable oils, which can be used immediately without the need for redesigning existing power systems [1][2] - In 2023, Singapore and Rotterdam accounted for about half of the global supply of marine biofuels, indicating a rapid growth trend in biofuel sales at these ports [1] - The global liquid biofuel demand is expected to rise significantly in 2024, with the transportation sector consuming over 4% of the total [3][4] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The EU will include the shipping industry in its carbon emissions trading system starting January 1, 2024, requiring large vessels to report CO2 emissions, which will increase operational costs for shipping companies [3] - Countries like China and the U.S. are actively promoting the use of biofuels in ports, aiming for significant deployment of alternative fuels by 2030 [3][4] Group 3: Future Outlook - The global production of biofuels, including ethanol and various biodiesels, is estimated to be around 111 million tons of oil equivalent in 2023, with only 0.3% used in the shipping sector [4] - The demand for marine biofuels is expected to continue growing as the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions and comply with international regulations [5]