The International Maritime Organization (IMO) hosted a technical seminar at its London headquarters on 12 February to examine the use of biofuels in maritime decarbonisation, attracting around 700 in-person and virtual participants and more than 1,300 online viewers.

The seminar was organised under the IMO Future Fuels and Technology Project, a partnership between the Government of the Republic of Korea and IMO. The initiative aims to share information on alternative fuels and emerging technologies to support policymakers in reducing greenhouse gas GHG emissions from shipping.

The event was purely informative rather than policy-focused, with participants attending from IMO member states, industry, academia and international organisations.

Sessions were moderated by Dr Roberta Cenni, head of biofuels at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, and focused on three main areas: the current state of biofuel use in shipping, production and certification pathways and market dynamics, and onboard operational experience.

Speakers addressed both the potential and the challenges of biofuels in maritime decarbonisation, including sustainability considerations, supply dynamics, engine compatibility, and onboard safety. Case studies of biofuel use were presented from Brazil, Indonesia, Türkiye, and the United States.

Closing the event, David Osborn, director of IMO’s Marine Environment Division, said further technical seminars are planned. Feedback collected after the seminar identified ammonia, LNG, and methanol as the main focus areas for future events.

The event marked the project’s third technical seminar, building on earlier sessions focused on onboard carbon capture and the broader energy transition in shipping.