The push for biofuels in international shipping has been shot down by a coalition of climate-focused organisations, who warn that its adoption under new climate measures could exacerbate food insecurity, deforestation and human rights violations.
With ongoing discussions on decarbonising the shipping industry, the three-member coalition comprising Biofuelwatch (UK), the Global Forest Coalition (US) and AbibiNsroma Foundation (Ghana) caution that large-scale biofuel production could drive up food prices, threaten forest ecosystems and displace vulnerable communities.
The warning comes as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meets to finalise new climate regulations for the sector with the aim of cutting emissions. Alternatively, the coalition stresses a need for sustainable alternatives that do not compromise environmental and social well-being.
Kenneth Nana Amoateng of AbibiNsroma Foundation says should demand for biofuels rise to meet the needs of major industries like international shipping, the consequences for countries like Ghana could be devastating.
“Increased pressure on land for biofuel feedstock – such as cassava, sorghum and sugarcane – risks exacerbating land-grabbing, threatening food security and straining local livelihoods.”
On the other hand, Amos Yesutanbul of FIDEP Foundation also argues that: “Green energy should never come at the cost of human dignity”. For instance, large-scale biofuel plantations, including Jatropha cultivation, are displacing smallholder farmers, reducing food production and increasing poverty.
The IMO is negotiating a ‘basket’ of policies to achieve its historic climate commitment for shipping to achieve zero/near-zero decarbonisation by 2050. The IMO’s 176 member-states agreed to finalise the policies at a climate summit (MEPC 83) in April 2025.
Under discussion is the Global Fuel Standard (GFS), which will set progressive emissions reduction targets based on their fuel intensity to phase out fossil fuels by 2050.
During the last IMO talks (MEPC82, ISWG-GHG-17 and ISWG-GHG-18) Brazil was seen promoting the future of fuel-to-power shipping to be biofuels, supported by Argentina, Ecuador and Indonesia.
Corn and cassava have been pointed out as possible feedstocks for industrialised biofuel production in Ghana.
