Navigating Maritime Decarbonization: Stakeholder Perspectives on Biofuels, Constraints, and Policy Pathways

Abstract

This thesis examines stakeholder perspectives about the role of biofuels in the decarbonization of the maritime transport sector, focusing on the environmental, technological, and policy trade-offs associated with their use. While biofuels are often considered a near-term solution due to their compatibility with existing engines and infrastructure, their viability remains contested, particularly in relation to land-use constraints, feedstock availability, and broader system impacts. The central research question of this study is how do stakeholders view biofuels as viable and sustainable components of maritime decarbonization strategies given constraints related to land use, feedstock availability, and competing energy pathways. The study combines a review of existing literature with qualitative data collected from stakeholder interviews across the maritime, energy, and policy sectors. Particular attention is given to the environmental implications of biofuel production, including land-use requirements, carbon opportunity costs, and indirect land-use change, as well as to the technical and economic considerations associated with fuel compatibility, infrastructure, and deployment timelines. The study situates these discussions within the International Maritime Organization’s evolving Net-Zero Framework. The findings indicate broad agreement among stakeholders that biofuels will continue to play a significant role in near-term maritime decarbonization. Their ability to be deployed within the existing fleet makes them a practical option for achieving incremental emissions reductions. However, stakeholders expressed uncertainty regarding the scalability of biofuels as a long-term solution, citing constraints related to land use, resource availability, and production capacity. As a result, biofuels are generally viewed as transitional pathways to alternative fuels or as blending options that support emissions reductions at a more limited scale.