Lloyd’s Register launches biofuel advisory service

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has launched a biofuel advisory service to support shipowners, fuel suppliers and producers with the safe adoption of biofuels. The service was announced during London International Shipping Week (LISW).

The initiative builds on LR’s Fuel Oil Bunker Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS), which has over 20 years of experience in biofuel testing and guidance. It provides support across the supply chain, from production and certification to onboard use, with the aim of reducing uncertainty around compliance, safety and fuel performance.

LR said it has already worked with bunker suppliers and producers to develop documentation and with shipowners on testing and operational steps. Examples include support for United European Car Carriers in using cashew nutshell liquid as fuel, and for Whitaker Tankers’ Whitchampion, the first vessel certified to use FAME B100.

Though limited in scalability, biofuels offer a pathway for existing vessels to decarbonise without requiring extensive refitting and retrofitting. However, trust in supply chains is low, with large proportion of the existing biofuel supply chain originating from questionable sources – meaning that if they get it wrong, shipowners may be unknowingly supporting deforestation in global-south countries.

“Biofuels represent an immediate and practical solution, but owners need confidence on performance, safety and compliance,” said James Frew, Director of Lloyd’s Register Advisory. “Our new service brings together technical expertise and regulatory insight.”

The launch coincided with LR’s Fuel for Thought briefing on biofuels, which examined supply, cost and regulatory drivers.