Economic and environmental assessment of fatty-acid-methyl-ester and hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuels viability for future marine engines

Abstract

This study explores the viability of fatty-acid-methyl-ester (FAME) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuels in reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in marine engines, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13. Secondary data were used for impact assessment, sustainability, and optimization, as well as sensitivity analyses to address biofuel adoption challenges. It further assesses the biofuels' production, regulations, environmental, and life-cycle impacts, estimating their sustainable transition costs. A decade-long review from 2013 to 2024 found that HVO reduced carbon emissions by 90 %, outperforming Diesel and FAME. HVO's catalytic methanation costs $5 × 10⁶–$500 × 10⁶ million (M) with a 1 × 10³–1 × 10⁵ liters (L) production capacity per day and a 30-year lifespan. FAME costs $0.66/L, while second-generation HVO emits 8–48 gCO₂e/MJ, considerably lower than marine gas oil (MGO)s 85–87 gCO₂e/MJ. Both biofuels demonstrated prospects for reducing CO₂ emissions, but their adoption requires regulatory support, technological advances, and strategic planning to help the maritime sector lower its carbon footprint.