FAME / Biofuel

Fatty Acid Methyl Ester biofuel produced by transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, blended into marine distillates and increasingly into residual fuels. ISO 8217:2017 permits up to 7% FAME (B7) in distillates, with the 2024 update accommodating higher blends. CIMAC Recommendation 02/2018 covers operational considerations: FAME is hygroscopic, has lower oxidation stability than mineral fuel, and supports microbial growth — making tank cleanliness and low-temperature handling discipline essential. FAME contributes to a vessel's CII rating because lifecycle CO2 is lower than fossil-derived fuel.