IMO set to lift biofuel cap to B30 for bunker carriers

An IMO committee has finalised a draft allowing bunker carriers certified as oil tankers to transport biofuel blends of up to B30, which contain 30% biofuel component.

PHOTO: Guo Si bunker tanker delivering biofuel stem to Swire Shipping’s container ship. LinkedIn of Chimbusco Pan Nation

Currently, bunker tankers are permitted to carry biofuel blends containing up to 25% biofuel (B25). Blends exceeding this limit must be transported on IMO Type II chemical tankers.

The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response finalised an interim circular to increase this limit to allow bunker tankers to carry up to B30 bio-blends during its 12th session (PPR 12) last month, according to classification society DNV.

“The [interim] guidance allows conventional bunker ships certified under MARPOL Annex I to transport biofuel blends up to 30%, provided all residues or tank washings are discharged ashore unless ODME [oil discharge monitoring equipment] is approved for the blend,” the Liberian Registry stated in a social media post. The Liberian Registry chaired the group that developed the guideline.

“No IOPP [International Oil Pollution Prevention] certificate changes will be required,” it added. An IOPP document certifies that a ship is compliant with the MARPOL convention - an international agreement that aims to reduce pollution from shipping.

According to DNV, the interim circular is scheduled for approval during the IMO’s Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) meeting in April.

By Konica Bhatt

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