Biofuel Debate Heats Up As CAPPA, 68 NGOs Challenge IMO’s Global Fuel Standard
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As the world races toward a greener future, the shipping industry is caught in a storm of controversy over the role of biofuels in reducing its carbon footprint.
It is against this backdrop, that Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and 68 other international NGOs have sounded the alarm, urging the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to exclude biofuels from its Global Fuel Standard (GFS).
In an open letter dated February 17, 2025, the coalition warned that the push for biofuels in international shipping threatens rainforests, displaces communities, and exacerbates climate change rather than mitigating it.
The call to action comes as the IMO prepares for a crucial round of negotiations in London, where its 176 member states will decide on key policies to steer the industry towards decarbonisation.
According to CAPPA and its allies, shipping already consumes 5% of global oil production, making its transition to cleaner energy a high-stakes decision.
They however argue that biofuels—especially those derived from soy and palm oil—carry devastating consequences, including deforestation, land grabbing, and food insecurity.
The letter specifically called out Brazil, which has been aggressively promoting biofuels, despite concerns over its environmental and social costs.
“Allowing biofuels under the GFS would jeopardise the very goals the IMO seeks to achieve,” the NGOs stated, pointing to studies that show biofuel production can generate higher emissions than fossil diesel when considering land-use changes.
They advocate for truly sustainable solutions, such as improved energy efficiency, wind-assisted propulsion, and a reduction in global shipping volume.
As the IMO moves closer to finalising its fuel policies in April 2025, the debate over biofuels is set to intensify.
The question remains will the shipping industry take the sustainable route, or will it chart a course that critics warn could deepen the climate crisis?.
