"Game-Changer" GoodShipping Program to Drive Biofuel Use, Says GoodFuels

GoodFuels has announced the launch of the GoodShipping Program. Image: GoodFuels

GoodFuels has announced the launch of the GoodShipping Program, which it says will drive biofuel use and mark "a game-changer" for companies seeking control to decarbonise the shipping of their ocean freight.

GoodFuels says the initiative enables cargo owner to purchase low-carbon, compatible, and sustainable "drop-in" biofuels in a quick, transparent and convenient way.

The programme is set to see the first "Good Trade Lane" connecting Europe to the rest of the world is set to be launched in the Autumn of this year.

"The GoodShipping Program empowers cargo owners and shippers to take control of their carbon emissions without having to rely upon the shipowner to change its fuel mix," explains GoodFuels.

"Moreover, by allowing the cargo owner to purchase low-carbon, compatible and sustainable ‘drop-in’ biofuels, the opportunity to mitigate carbon emissions within the industry, rather than through an alternative mitigation scheme, is achievable for the very first time."

GoodFuels says the new initiative comes at a "pivotal moment" for the shipping industry as it faces increasing pressure to define targets for emissions reductions.

"Up until now, the only way ocean cargo owners could eliminate or substantially reduce the climate impact from ship operations was to select an energy-efficient carrier or to offset their carbon footprint outside the shipping industry," said Dirk Kronemeijer, CEO of GoodFuels.

"The big difference with other sustainability initiatives is that the GoodShipping Program actually changes the marine fuel mix, and thereby realises a carbon reduction within the industry. Every ocean cargo owner can participate in the GoodShipping Program regardless of its volume, location, trade routes and existing contracts with carrier(s) or freight forwarders."

Still, Kronemeijer says ocean cargo owners cannot drive the transition to shipping's lower carbon footprint on their own.

"Ultimately it needs to be facilitated by the maritime industry. It acts upon the collective responsibility for developing stable demand that can bring production to the next level. As such, the GoodShipping Program aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of low-carbon fuels to all carriers," said Kronemeijer.