Sustainable Maritime Fuel (SMF)
The aim of SMF is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), thus contributing to global efforts against climate change and air pollution.
Sustainable Maritime Fuels encompasses a range of cleaner fuel options for the shipping industry, each with its own benefits and challenges. The shift to these fuels is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of one of the world’s most important industries.
The key aspects are:
1. Types of SMF:
Biofuels: Derived from biomass, these can be used in pure form or blended with conventional marine fuels. They are biodegradable and have a lower carbon footprint.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): While still a fossil fuel, LNG burns cleaner than heavy fuel oil, emitting less CO2, SOx, and NOx.
Methanol: It can be produced from renewable sources and has a lower emission profile compared to traditional fuels.
Hydrogen and fuel cells: Hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy sources and emits only water when burned. Fuel cells convert the chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity.
Ammonia: When produced using renewable energy, ammonia can be a zero-carbon fuel. However, its handling and toxicity pose challenges.
2. Environmental benefits: SMFs can significantly reduce the environmental impact of shipping, contributing to cleaner oceans and air. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions also aligns with global climate change mitigation goals.
3. Economic and operational considerations: The adoption of SMFs can be more expensive than conventional fuels, at least initially. This includes costs related to the fuel itself, as well as modifications to engines and fuel storage systems. The availability of these fuels can also be a limiting factor, though this is expected to improve as demand increases.
4. Regulations and incentives: International regulations, such as those from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and local regulations encourage or mandate the reduction of emissions from ships. Various incentives also exist to promote the use of cleaner fuels in the shipping industry.
5. Industry adoption: While the transition to SMF is underway, it’s a gradual process. The shipping industry is exploring various options and combinations of fuels and technologies to find the most sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
About Apsley Farms
Producer of organically certified gardening products
Soil improving mulch, top dressing and liquid plant feed that is produced on-site as a by-product and derived from rye, barley, grass and maize crops. Visit our Shop
Producing green energy since 2012
We are a family-run arable farm and contractor, producing crops for our Biogas plant, generating enough energy to heat 8,500 houses all year round.
Sustainable farming
Over the years, the Apsley team has built up considerable experience in modern and innovative farming practices, as well as forming partnerships with other farms and the wider farming community. Read more about Apsley Farms’ sustainable farming methods here
Supplier of CO2 Gas
Apsley Farms produces food-grade carbon dioxide as a by-product of the biogas plant.
We also have CO2 testing facilities onsite. Find out more here