International coalition kicks against biofuels in global shippingbiofuels

A coalition of 69 international nongovernmental organizations, led by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has urged the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reject biofuels as a Global Fuel Standard (GFS) for international shipping.

The IMO’s GFS is a technical measure aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, in line with its decarbonization goals.

Greenhouse gas emissions from ships refer to the release of gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

The emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels such as heavy fuel oil, marine diesel, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used to power ships.

The NGOs, however, argued that biofuels threaten rainforests, local communities, and food security in host countries, stressing that the inclusion of biofuels in GFS would undermine the goals by exacerbating environmental and social issues.

In an open letter to the IMO Secretariat on February 17, 2025, the coalition called on the IMO’s 176 member States to oppose the use of biofuels and instead adopt a clean energy future for global shipping.

The letter precedes final negotiations in London on key climate laws for international shipping, where decisions on fuel and technology choices will determine the industry’s future environmental impact.