British Marine Secures UK Biofuel Recognition

British Marine has welcomed the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) recognition of biofuels as a key transitional fuel for the leisure marine sector in its latest Carbon Budget 7 (CB7).

Published on 26 February 2025, CB7 sets a decarbonisation pathway for marine, maritime, and shipping, covering 2038-2042.

The CCC report acknowledges that by 2050, half of the UK’s inland waterways and leisure vessels are expected to transition to electric propulsion, while the remaining fleet will rely on biofuel. This recognition follows sustained input from British Marine and its members, ensuring the industry’s specific challenges were considered.

British Marine played a key role in supplying critical data to support this decision, drawing from the international “Pathways to Propulsion” project, coordinated by ICOMIA. This project provided the environmental evidence base for alternative fuels, including biofuels, reinforcing their importance as a low-carbon solution for existing vessels.

Joe Lynch, CEO of ICOMIA, highlighted this achievement as a testament to international industry collaboration, while British Marine’s CEO, Lesley Robinson, emphasised the association’s ongoing commitment to supporting members on the transition to net zero.

British Marine is now engaged in the Blue Boat Horizon project, working with global partners to develop the first industry-led Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, ensuring marine businesses can meet future sustainability regulations.

For more information, visit British Marine’s Decarbonisation Hub.