Liberia: Interim Guidance on the Use of Biofuels

Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a marine advisory note providing information regarding the interim guidance on the use of biofuels for fuel oil consumption data and operational carbon intensity calculations, which was approved by the Committee at MEPC 80.

This note (MA 18/2023) was issued on 28 July 2023.

The 2022 Guidelines on operational carbon intensity indicators and the calculation methods (resolution MEPC.352(78) CII guidelines, G1) provide the possibility for the CO2 Emission Conversion Factor (Cf) to be obtained from the fuel oil supplier, supported by documentary evidence, in case the fuel oil is not covered by the relevant guidelines.

Pending the development of a comprehensive method to account for well-to-wake GHG emissions and removals based on the IMO Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels (LCA), biofuels that have been certified by an International certification scheme, such as ICAO's CORSIA approved sustainability certification schemes or other International certification schemes acceptable to the Administration, meeting the sustainability criteria and the conditions below are eligible for a reduced Cf:

Biofuels that provide well-to-wake GHG emission reduction of at least 65% as compared to well-to-wake emissions of fossil MGO;
Achieving emission intensity not exceeding 33gCO2eq/MJ;
Proof of sustainability or equivalent documentation from a recognized scheme should be provided along with the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) to facilitate verification of the reported biofuel consumption.

The assigned Cf is equal to the value of the well-to-wake GHG emissions of the fuel according to the certificate (expressed in gCO2eq/MJ) multiplied by its lower calorific value (LCV, expressed in MJ/g) for the corresponding amount of fuels consumed by the ship.

In any case, the Cf value of a biofuel cannot be less than 0. For biofuel blends, the Cf should be based on the weighted average of the Cf for the respective amount of fuels by energy.

However, biofuels that are not certified as 'sustainable' or not fulfilling the well-to-wake emission factor criterion above should be assigned a Cf equivalent to Cf of fossil fuel type.

This guidance is applicable from October 01, 2023. However, the Liberian Administration will consider crediting for the use of biofuel from January 01, 2023, provided the criteria as mentioned above in the IMO circular are met, and supporting documentary evidence is available for verification.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):