Concawe has published a new set of guidelines aimed at helping the industry assess whether unconventional materials used in marine fuel production and blending are fit for use on board vessels, according to a report shared by Lloyd’s Register testing service FOBAS, which contributed to the publication.
The framework is intended to determine whether new materials are safe, compatible, and effective for use in marine fuels. According to FOBAS, the guidelines apply to both conventional and non-conventional feedstocks, including off-specification FAME, vegetable oils, biomass waste, used oils, recycled materials, and forestry residues.
A Two-Level Assessment Process
According to the report, the guidelines introduce a two-tier evaluation system.
- Level 1 is conducted by the fuel producer or supplier and is used to establish whether a material can be used as a fuel or blending component without requiring further testing.
- Level 2 applies when additional evaluation is necessary. This stage can involve the fuel user and other stakeholders, with shore-based testing and, potentially, sea trials used to confirm real-world performance.
The report notes that the guidelines are focused strictly on technical suitability. They do not address lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions or other sustainability-related considerations, which remain outside the scope of this particular framework.
Concawe, according to the report, was established in 1963 by a group of oil companies to research environmental issues relevant to the industry.
Does This Matter to You?
As marine fuel formulations diversify to include a wider range of blending components and alternative feedstocks, having a standardized method to evaluate new materials before they reach the market could become an important reference point for fuel suppliers and testing bodies. Bunker suppliers and blenders who work with off-specification or recycled feedstocks may find the two-level assessment process relevant when determining whether additional testing is warranted before a material enters commercial supply.
For vessel operators and fuel buyers, frameworks like this may eventually support greater confidence in the technical suitability of blended or alternative fuels, though the source material does not specify how the guidelines will be implemented across the supply chain or whether they will become mandatory in any jurisdiction. The direct operational impact for bunkering and shipping stakeholders is not yet detailed beyond what has been reported.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker, FOBAS (Lloyd’s Register)
