The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) has published results from the world’s first field validation of tracer technologies in marine biofuel supply chains.
Conducted across key bunkering hubs including Singapore and Rotterdam, the six trials demonstrated that tracers can be integrated into marine fuel operations without affecting performance or fuel quality.
Three tracer types were tested: synthetic DNA (Tracer A), element-based metalloid (Tracer B), and non-fluorescent organic (Tracer C).
Tracer C reportedly proved the most effective, offering reliable detection, minimal measurement discrepancies, and compatibility with standard analytical methods such as GC-MS — making it the most practical solution for verifying fuel authenticity and volume.
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The study involved the bunkering of 10,400 metric tonnes of biofuel blends, achieving an average 24 per cent reduction in GHG emissions compared to conventional fuels.
The trials address a key gap in biofuel assurance: the lack of physical, on-site verification in current sustainability certification schemes like ISCC and RSB.
These gaps leave supply chains open to fraud and double-counting of emissions reductions.
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Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD, said: “Our pilot has demonstrated the viability of physical tracers in safeguarding the integrity of marine biofuel supply chains.
“This was made possible through close collaboration with marine fuel suppliers, end-users, surveyors, testing laboratories, and tracer technology providers. By generating evidence-based data through comprehensive trials to combat fraud, we are fostering confidence for the widespread adoption of biofuels.”
The findings are a step toward building a credible assurance framework for drop-in green fuels — a crucial component in maritime decarbonisation efforts.
