The phrase “What cannot be measured, cannot be managed” is well known among those who calculate emissions. To understand how emissions that contribute to climate change develop, they must be measured, calculated, and verified. The majority of this calculation is straightforward. For instance, the amount of carbon dioxide produced when burning fuel is known. When a ton of Marine Gasoil (MGO) used by Meriaura’s ships is burned, it results in slightly over three tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The calculation employs a coefficient of 3.206, although minor variations exist between different delivery batches. Quite simple. Consequently, the CO2 emission is more than three times the mass of the burned fuel. This occurs because during combustion, the carbon atom of the hydrocarbon fuel combines with two oxygen atoms from the air. As the oxygen atom has a higher atomic mass than the hydrogen atom, the equation holds true, despite seeming counterintuitive at first glance. Again, quite simple, but important to consider when discussing carbon dioxide capture.
The calculation becomes more complex when considering the life cycle emissions of fuels. It is necessary to account for emissions produced during various stages such as oil drilling, transportation, and refining. For instance, in the case of Marine Gas Oil (MGO), these additional emissions typically represent about 15% of the emissions generated during the combustion of the fuel itself. The life cycle emissions of certain other fossil fuels are even higher. For example, for liquefied natural gas (LNG), they can be up to 30% greater than the emissions produced during the combustion process alone.
For biofuels, emissions vary even more. The best waste- and by-product-based biofuels can be considered almost completely carbon neutral, having very low life cycle emissions. The life cycle emissions of the bio-oil used by Meriaura are 97.7% lower than those of the corresponding fossil fuel. This bio-oil is nearly carbon neutral, making it one of the best fuels currently available. Additionally, the fuel is produced domestically. However, many biofuels do not reduce emissions as effectively. For instance, the emissions of biofuels based on virgin biomass are often high, sometimes even slightly higher than those of fossil fuels. Emission calculations for some biofuels are complicated by factors such as how their impact on land use is considered and the duration of the period assessed.
The classification of biofuels as zero-emission for in-use emissions is premised on the fact that although carbon dioxide is emitted during combustion, an equivalent amount of atmospheric carbon has been sequestered by the biomass used as raw material over time. Consequently, carbon dioxide cycles between the atmosphere and biomass, such as trees and plants. Regulations introduce complexity to emission calculations, with some focusing solely on in-use emissions (tank-to-wake emissions) and others on life-cycle emissions (well-to-wake emissions). Currently, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) only addresses in-use emissions. For instance, biofuels with varying life-cycle emissions are all treated as zero-emission fuels in the ETS, provided they meet the minimum emission reduction requirements of the EU Renewable Fuels Directive. These minimum requirements vary based on the establishment year of the biofuel-producing plant. These minimum requirements depend on the establishment year of the biofuel-producing plant. Requirements for new plants are stricter, up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. For existing plants, the requirements range between 50% and 65%. If the requirements are not met, the plant cannot sell the product as sustainable, nor is the fuel considered zero emission.
Regulations are progressively developing and becoming stricter, with international regulation increasingly emphasizing the importance of life-cycle emissions. This development is beneficial for the ultimate goal of reducing total emissions. While measuring emissions is crucial and can be straightforward, it is not as important as the complex task of actually reducing emissions. The processes of measuring, calculating, and verifying emissions do not directly decrease them; the true indicator of success is the extent to which greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere.
The use of fossil fuels is projected to reach a new record in 2024, making reducing emissions an increasingly urgent task. Emissions need to be measured and calculated, and the use of low-emission fuels should be promoted. Reducing emissions requires collective action from all major stakeholders. Without a swift reduction in fossil fuel usage, significant damage will occur.
At Meriaura we are committed to promoting the green transition in our operations and look forward to the completion of our new bio-oil-powered vessels. We are also closely monitoring advancements in hydrogen-based fuels, recognizing their importance for achieving carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, we aim to demonstrate that viable solutions can and must be found for traditional fleets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately, regardless of legal requirements.
Esko Pettay
Sustainability Manager
