Selection of optimum sustainable biofuel for maritime transportation using analytic hierarchy process

The increase in emissions from ships has prompted the International Maritime Organisation to take action and new emission regulations have been put into effect. Using low-carbon alternative fuels is a key part of the International Maritime Organisation’s strategy plan. Biofuels have significant potential in the maritime industry’s transition to alternative fuels due to their characteristic features. The aim of this study is to identify, through a scientific comparison, the most suitable biofuel that is sustainable for maritime transportation. The comparison was made with 7 criteria using the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology. Since a life cycle assessment approach was adopted in the comparison, well-to-wake emission performance and indirect land use change factor were also included within the criteria. For calculating the weights of the criteria, a questionnaire was created and 15 experts were consulted. For determining the performance of biofuel alternatives on the criteria, information from the literature was utilised. Experts identified safety as the most crucial criterion, followed by well-to-wake emissions and compatibility. The results indicate that biofuels like Fischer–Tropsch diesel and 3rd generation Hydrotreated vegetable oil, which excel in safety, well-to-wake emissions, and compatibility, are optimum biofuels for the shipping industry’s transition to low-carbon fuels.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1080/20464177.2025.2463208
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/20464177
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2025 Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology. Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
• Authors:
  • Sevim, Cagatayhan
  • 0000-0001-9105-348X
  • Zincir, Burak
  • 0000-0002-6719-4730
• Publication Date: 2026-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 90-105
• Serial:
  • Journal of Marine Engineering & Technology
  • Volume: 25
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 2046-4177
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/tmar20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Alternate fuels; Biomass fuels; Decarbonization; Life cycle analysis; Maritime industry; Ships; Sustainable transportation
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01998401
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 5 2026 9:14AM