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Ethanol Certification Delayed by the International Maritime Organization Causing Frustration in the Maritime Sector.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) decided to delay the certification of ethanol as a low-carbon biofuel for use in ships until 2026.
The measure, approved during a meeting of the entity held on October 17 in London, caused frustration among Brazilian producers and maritime sector companies, who expected the recognition of ethanol as a sustainable fuel this year.
The decision was influenced by pressure from the United States delegation, according to sources linked to the negotiations.
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The delay temporarily halts plans to expand the use of ethanol in international maritime transport, one of the major global challenges for reducing carbon emissions.
Currently, the shipping sector accounts for about 3% of global CO₂ emissions, and the IMO had already set ambitious targets: to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, by 70% to 80% by 2040, and to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2050.
Frustration in the Sugar-Energy Sector
For Mário Campos, president of Bioenergia Brasil, which represents 214 sugar-alcohol plants in the country, the delay was received with great disappointment.
“It is hard to understand how the United States pressures [Brazil] for tariffs on [imported] ethanol, but at the same time, they block a market they could supply,” he stated.
Campos emphasized that IMO recognition would open a new and promising international market for both American and Brazilian ethanol, stimulating investments and strengthening the global biofuels agenda.
Ethanol Surplus and Uncertainties in Global Trade
The timing of the delay was considered ill-timed for producers. According to Edmundo Barbosa, president of Sindaçúcar da Paraíba, there is a growing supply of ethanol in the market and a lack of new destinations to sell the product.
“We need destinations for ethanol,” Barbosa stressed.
The prolongation of uncertainty regarding the certification from the International Maritime Organization tends to increase pressure on the sugar-energy sector, which faces logistical challenges and seeks export alternatives.
Reaction of Maritime Companies
The decision also surprised shipping companies, who were betting on ethanol as a viable option to decarbonize their fleets.
“It was disappointing,” stated Morten Christiansen, senior vice president of Maersk and global leader in decarbonization for the company.
In a press conference held in São Paulo, Christiansen stated that the delay was due to internal political tensions within the IMO but stressed that there is still hope.
“We are losing time,” the executive said. “I hope that in a year we will have another meeting. There is still a high risk that the discussion on the framework for ethanol will not materialize.”
According to him, the IMO meeting was “unusual” and left several uncertainties in the sector regarding the progress of the sustainable fuels agenda.
Perspectives and Opportunities for Ethanol
Despite the criticisms, part of the sector sees the postponement as a chance to strengthen technical and environmental arguments in defense of the biofuel.
“The postponement is not necessarily bad news,” stated Gustavo Mariano, vice president of trading at Inpasa. “It gives us more time to prove the capability for incorporating ethanol as a viable alternative.”
Experts believe that the delay will allow for new studies and complementary certifications, reinforcing ethanol’s role as a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible biofuel. Brazil, the world’s largest producer, has positioned itself as a natural leader in this process.
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