GS Caltex announced on the 14th that it has succeeded in improving regulations on global bio marine fuel through public-private cooperation. GS Caltex has been persuading the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korean Register to convince the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to permit the transportation of 'B30 marine fuel,' which contains 30% biofuel.
According to GS Caltex, the IMO recently changed its regulations at the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting to allow the transportation of B30 bio marine fuel by general supply vessels.
Until now, the IMO classified marine fuels with a biofuel blend rate exceeding 25% as chemicals, restricting the transportation of B30 bio marine fuel by general supply vessels. It has been pointed out that this limitation has hindered the expansion of the low-carbon marine fuel market, as only a few countries allowed the blend rate to reach 30% exceptionally.
Previously, GS Caltex proactively suggested the need for amendments to the IMO regulations to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. As an advisor to the government delegation, it participated in international meetings under the IMO, presenting analysis materials that demonstrate the lower harmfulness of B30 compared to existing fossil fuels to member countries.
A GS Caltex representative noted, “This regulatory improvement is a successful case of close collaboration among internal organizations, meticulous international negotiations, and policy proposals based on scientific technology,” adding, “It is significant that it has contributed proactively to a structural change leading the global energy transition and carbon neutrality beyond a simple policy change for domestic corporations.”