Guideline for the Technical Assessment of the Suitability of a New Material in the Production of Marine Fuels

Report no. 10/26: Guideline for the technical assessment of the suitability of a new material in the production of marine fuels.

This Concawe guideline provides a structured, two-level assessment process for evaluating the suitability of new materials in marine fuel production and blending. The aim of the document is to provide a methodology to demonstrate that a new material is safe, compatible, and effective for use on ships, thereby supporting the industry's transition to lower carbon fuels.

This document covers conventional and non-conventional materials including, but not limited to, off specification FAME and those derived from vegetable oils, biomass waste, used oils, recycled components, forestry residues and other lignocellulosic material.

The outlined process involves detailed testing, documentation, and collaboration between producers, users and other stakeholders, if necessary, culminating in sea trials to confirm the fuel's acceptable performance.

A Level 1 assessment is carried out by the producer/supplier of a new material to determine if it can be considered as an acceptable fuel or blend component, which they can market confidently without further evaluation.

A Level 2 assessment is advised when the Level 1 assessment does not provide enough confidence in the fuel’s acceptability for use. It is likely to involve the user, producer/supplier and possibly require the participation of other stakeholders.

Acceptability of the fuel as determined by the Level 2 assessment consists of analytical techniques, engine bench testing and ultimately, if further confidence is required, a sea trial assessment.

The sustainability aspects of marine fuels using such New Materials, driven by the need to reduce GHG emissions, are not covered within the scope of this document.