IBIA biofuel checklist issued by IMO as annex to MEPC 85/INF.10

The International Bunker Industry Association announced Sept. 16 that the “Shipboard Biofuel Blend Checklist” for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)-based biofuels has now been issued by the International Maritime Organization as an annex to document MEPC 85/INF.10.

The checklist was developed by the IBIA Technical Working Group as part of the ongoing update of the IBIA/Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) “Shipmaster’s Bunkering Manual” and is intended to help vessel operators navigate some of the practical considerations involved when bunkering and consuming biofuel blends—particularly when using them for the first time. 

It covers a range of areas, including fuel assessment, compatibility checks, tank preparation, water management, bunkering operations, storage and machinery-performance monitoring.

As the use of biofuel blends continues to grow, having clear and practical guidance for crews and operators is increasingly important, IBIA stated.

The checklist is based on the Conseil International des Machines à Combustion (CIMAC) Guideline 04|2024, “Marine fuels containing FAME,” and is intended as a practical tool to support good fuel management onboard.

“A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge and experience to developing this,” IBIA stated. “It’s great to see the work now formally included in an IMO document and available to its membership.”

To view the checklist, click here.