The Dark Side of Biofuels: Why Experts Are Sounding the Alarm

The shipping industry is pushing for clean fuels, but a new debate is shaking up the sector. Are biofuels truly green, or do they pose a hidden threat?

Major shipping companies and environmental groups warn that biofuels could do more harm than good. Their large-scale use may fuel deforestation and worsen climate issues.

A study predicts that by 2030, nearly a third of global shipping could rely on biofuels. But with limited waste oil supplies, the industry may turn to palm and soy—causing devastating environmental damage.

Palm and soy-based biofuels could take over 60% of the market, increasing deforestation, land grabbing, and food insecurity. Some countries have already banned their use.

Critics argue that promoting biofuels could worsen global food shortages, with the industry potentially requiring farmland the size of Germany to meet demand.

Over 70 organizations are calling on the IMO to reject biofuels as a shipping fuel. Instead, they urge investment in genuinely clean alternatives like hydrogen-based fuels.

The future of shipping’s energy transition is at a crossroads. Will the IMO act before biofuels cause irreversible damage? The decision could reshape the industry forever.