India proposes 10% marine biofuel mandate
In India, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration has proposed requiring vessels in coastal trade to use marine fuel containing at least 10% biofuel by volume beginning January 1, 2029, following a voluntary transition in 2028. The draft is intended to cut lifecycle emissions and build domestic production, blending, storage and bunkering capacity.
The proposal does not set a numeric carbon intensity threshold. Instead, biofuels would need documentation covering feedstock origin, production pathway, sustainability certification, lifecycle greenhouse gas characteristics and batch traceability, with waste and residue feedstocks eligible for preference.
Producers and bunker suppliers are encouraged to offer blends up to 30% and expand supply capacity ahead of the mandate. The draft also calls for pricing competitive with Singapore, Rotterdam and Fujairah to attract international vessels to Indian ports for biofuel bunkering.
Comments are open through August 31.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
