From April 19 to 30, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) participated in discussions at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at its headquarters in London. The initiative is part of the Sugarcane Ethanol Project, in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).
The IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping and leading the sector’s decarbonization efforts. Maritime transport accounts for nearly 80% of global trade and is responsible for approximately 940 million tons of carbon emissions annually. While the IMO’s 170 member countries have already approved the legal framework for decarbonizing the sector, recent discussions have focused on implementation — particularly on mechanisms and incentives that can accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
In addition to following the technical negotiations, UNICA hosted a networking coffee break on April 21 for delegates and participants to highlight the potential of ethanol as sustainable maritime fuel. When blended with maritime biodiesel, ethanol can deliver up to a 68% reduction in CO₂-equivalent emissions.
During the event, Mr. André Valente, Sustainability Director at Raízen and representative of UNICA, delivered remarks emphasizing ethanol’s role as a ready-to-use, widely available, and cost-effective decarbonization solution. He also highlighted Brazil’s strategic position as one of the world’s leading producers of low-carbon biofuels and an important partner in the global energy transition.
According to Mr. Valente, “Biofuels can enable greenhouse gas reductions by providing an immediate compliance pathway while leveraging existing infrastructure to offer shipowners an accessible and cost-efficient solution for decarbonization.”
The future of maritime transport is low-carbon, and biofuels have a key role to play in promoting a more sustainable shipping industry.
