Biofuels accelerate maritime fuel shift

A new report by Acumen Research & Consulting reveals that the global biofuels market is forecast to grow from $184.21 billion in 2025 to $326.46 billion by 2035, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 5.95%.

“The growth of the biofuels market is being driven by increasing demand for low-emission transportation fuels and stringent decarbonisation policies, making ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel core components of the future energy mix,” according to the report’s author, Simone Lamb, consultant, Acumen Research & Consulting

Increased investment

Growth is being driven by decarbonisation policies and fuel mandates accelerating adoption of ethanol, biodiesel and renewable diesel with transportation represents the dominant end-use segment, highlighting the growing relevance of biofuels to maritime fuel supply chains and port bunkering operations.

For ports and terminals, increased uptake of alternative fuels is expected to require targeted investment in handling, storage and distribution infrastructure.

Existing bunkering facilities may need modification to accommodate higher volumes of biodiesel, renewable diesel and blended fuels, alongside systems to support regulatory compliance linked to blending mandates and emissions-reduction targets.

Biofuels offer ports a near-term pathway to support maritime decarbonisation, given their compatibility with existing engines and fuel delivery systems. However, large-scale deployment will depend on coordinated infrastructure development across port estates and associated logistics networks.

As national and regional policies continue to prioritise cleaner transport fuels, ports capable of integrating biofuels into marine bunkering and hinterland distribution are likely to play a central role in supporting the transition to alternative fuels within the maritime sector.