Top study shows biofuels could be a greener choice than electric propulsion

The most in-depth analysis yet of marine leisure vessels’ propulsion systems has found that using biofuels in traditional engines is greener than electric propulsion systems in many cases.

- Heather Prentice

Opting for electric propulsion in a new yacht or converting a used boat to electric propulsion could be worse for the environment than sticking with a fossil fuel internal combustion engine (ICE), depending on the number of hours it is in use, a report published by ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) shows.

The study is intended to provide regulators, governments and businesses with robust data against which to make environmental decisions about leisure vessels’ propulsion systems in the light of the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030.

Presenting the report at the recent Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) Amsterdam, ICOMIA president Darren Vaux said, ‘For the first time, we’ve united the global recreational marine industry around our most comprehensive, peer-reviewed research to explore opportunities that could reduce recreational boats’ carbon emissions.’