The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) is holding a series of seminars and webinars to investigate the availability and sustainability of biofuels for shipping – and we would like to invite you to help guide our thinking.

Research commissioned by the SSI has revealed that zero-emission vessels need to be entering the world’s fleet by 2030 – and that advanced biofuels represent one of the more economically feasible options for the shipping industry in that time-frame. However, we also recognise that a number of questions surround the current, and potential future, sustainability and availability of biofuels – and we want to build a better understanding of the issues at play before deciding whether and how to proceed.

This seminar aims to provide clarity as to the various factors at play in determining the sustainability of biofuels; and which, if any, biofuels will be acceptable for use in shipping (and on what basis). It will give stakeholders the opportunity to provide insight as to whether and how biofuels can contribute to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and articulate the various criteria that should underpin any assessment of the sustainability of biofuel. Finally, the seminar will explore whether assessment, certification and governance systems can adequately address stakeholder concerns and the various risks posed by expanded use of biofuels.

The seminar will feature short presentations to frame the discussion, facilitated dialogues to identify issues of stakeholders' concern and focussed discussions to build understanding on the dynamics at play, and whether and how they can be resolved.

Hosted by SSI and facilitated by global sustainability non-profit Forum for the Future, this seminar is the first of a series including a second one on the potential availability of sustainable biofuels in July plus webinars exploring the key issues that emerge, and a high-profile event at Climate Week New York on September 25, 2019.

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Photo: Pixabay via World Maritime News

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