A new study, “The role of sustainable fuels certification schemes in maritime decarbonization,” explores how certification can help ensure sustainable fuels deliver real climate and environmental benefits as shipping moves toward zero- and near-zero-emission fuels.
As the maritime industry scales up the use of biofuels and e-fuels, strong certification systems will be essential to verify emissions reductions, track fuels through global supply chains and prevent fraud and unsustainable production. The report reviews existing certification approaches, including those used by ISCC, RSB, Brazil’s RenovaBio, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard.
The study commissioned by Pacific Environment and led by Dr. Yeoh Keat Ping, research lead at the NTU MESD, also identifies gaps in current systems, including documented cases of feedstock fraud and limitations in relying on audits and paperwork alone. It examines tools for improving fuel traceability and verification, including chain-of-custody systems and fuel fingerprinting, as well as approaches to lifecycle emissions, deforestation and indirect land-use change.
The report offers recommendations for strengthening the IMO’s emerging Sustainable Fuels Certification Schemes (SFCS) and for Singapore, a major global maritime hub, including expanding the pool of sustainability auditors and exploring fuel fingerprinting technologies.
Read the full report to learn more about how stronger certification systems can help ensure sustainable fuels support genuine maritime decarbonization.
