Op-Ed: Biocrude’s role in charting a lower-carbon future

Maritime shipping plays a key role in global trade, providing transportation for roughly 80% of goods bought and sold internationally. At the same time, maritime vessels generate significant emissions—contributing around 3% of total worldwide emissions, which is comparable to the annual emissions certain developed countries including Japan.

The need for reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy has never been greater—or more attainable. The shipping industry has the potential to reduce emissions through advancements in renewable fuels that balance environmental and economic needs.

Now, new technology and supply chain integration are making it possible to produce renewable marine fuels at scale, especially as new processes unlock the potential of biomass sources and streamline upgrading steps.

The potential of biocrude 

Meeting energy demand within the maritime industry requires an additive approach that leverages a variety of fuel sources to help the maritime industry shift to lower-emission alternatives.

One promising solution is the use of biocrude, hydrocarbon-rich oil produced through the thermochemical processing of inexpensive and abundant biomass. Common sources for biocrude include agricultural residues and organic waste, making it a more sustainable option for fuel production compared to more established methods.

Although biocrude has been around for some time, recent technological improvements in how it’s made—such as better reaction speeds, feedstock preparation and streamlined processes—have made it much more practical for large-scale use. This approach allows for steady progress with transitional fuels and paves the way for wider use of advanced renewable fuels as they become commercially available.

Honeywell’s Biocrude Upgrading technology offers a glimpse at how innovation can accelerate this shift. The process converts solid biomass into biocrude that is then upgraded into “drop-in” fuels that provide a cost-effective and lower-carbon alternative to traditional heavy fuel oil.

With higher energy density than many current biofuel alternatives, this renewable marine fuel can extend a vessel’s range without requiring costly engine upgrades.

Honeywell’s technology efficiently turns forestry trimmings, wood shavings, and timber debris—materials usually hard to use for fuel—into biocrude. This process handles their high oxygen and moisture content, making it easier for producers to use a wider range of feedstocks. Using abundant biomass as feedstock, along with straightforward technology, makes implementation easy for existing refiners—all while using existing infrastructure and equipment.

Biocrude can then be transported and refined at large facilities into marine fuel, gasoline, or sustainable aviation fuel, helping overcome the obstacles converting biocrudes into fuels with performance comparable to conventional fuel.

The path forward 

Reducing carbon emissions is a top priority for many large-scale organizations across all industries. Achieving lower shipping emissions will not be accomplished by a single solution; instead, it requires a comprehensive strategy that incorporates renewable fuels, cleaner combustion systems, digital optimization and more.

The maritime sector continues to seek out renewable energy, but its pace depends on bridging the cost gap between traditional and renewable fuels. Wider use of innovative process technologies such as upgraded biocrude—alongside lower-carbon fuels like LNG, methanol, ammonia and e-fuels—requires effective collaboration among innovators, refiners, shippers, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Through embracing new technologies and fostering collaboration, the maritime industry can accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels, lowering shipping emissions while maintaining efficient global trade.

Rajeswar Gattupalli is the president of Des Plaines, Ill.-based Honeywell UOP, (formerly Universal Oil Products).

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