Japan Looks to Import Marine Biodiesel as Domestic Production Lags

Japan is looking to import marine biodiesel to supplement its limited domestic biofuel production, according to Yuko Togawa from Japan's Bio Diesel Fuel association. Speaking at a marine biodiesel conference in Kawasaki, Tokyo on February 12th, Togawa explained that Japan's domestic production of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel fuel remains constrained by a shortage of used cooking oil, a key feedstock. This has led the country to explore importing marine biodiesel as an alternative. 'Japan is looking to import marine biodiesel, as domestic biofuel production remains limited due to a shortage of used cooking oil,' Togawa said, as reported by Hellenic Shipping News. The move comes as Japan, like many other countries, works to decarbonize its maritime sector and meet emissions reduction targets. Marine biodiesel is seen as a promising low-carbon fuel that can help ships cut their environmental footprint. However, Togawa noted that Japan's domestic FAME biodiesel production capacity is currently only around 300,000 kiloliters per year, well short of the country's overall biofuel demand. Importing marine-grade biodiesel could help bridge this gap as Japan explores ways to green its shipping industry.