NARTC 2026
Biocrude’s role in charting a lower-carbon future
Leigh Abrams honeywell uop
Maritime shipping plays a key role in global trade, providing transportation for roughly 80% of goods bought and sold inter- nationally.¹ At the same time, maritime vessels generate significant emissions, accounting for around 3% of total world- wide emissions,² which is comparable to the annual emissions of certain developed countries. The need for reliable, affordable, low- carbon energy has never been greater or more attainable. The shipping industry has the potential to reduce emissions through advancements in renewable fuels that bal- ance environmental and economic needs. New technology and supply chain inte- gration are making it possible to produce renewable marine fuels at scale, especially as new processes unlock the potential of biomass sources and streamline upgrad- ing steps. Refiners are under growing pressure to meet rising global energy demand while navigating a rapid shift toward renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable marine fuels. At the same time, changing product slates, higher capital costs, feedstock volatility, and the risk of stranded assets are squeezing mar- gins. To remain competitive, refiners must deploy flexible, efficient process solutions that improve asset reliability, energy effi- ciency, and speed to market. As renewable fuel demand accelerates, refiners are expanding the range of feed- stocks they process to meet regulatory requirements, support the energy transi- tion, and protect profitability. Honeywell UOP has a long track record of helping operators adapt to these challenges and continues to expand its portfolio with technologies designed to increase prod- uct diversity and quality. Modular, scalable solutions enable faster deployment while reducing capital risk, allowing refiners to adapt as markets evolve. Technologies such as Ecofining ® , co- processing, FT Unicracking ® , eFining ® (methanol-to-jet), Ethanol-to-Jet, and fast pyrolysis allow refiners to convert a broad range of renewable feedstocks into SAF, renewable diesel, and other low-car- bon fuels, providing the flexibility needed to compete in a rapidly changing energy landscape. potential of biocrude Meeting energy demand within the mari- time industry requires an additive approach that leverages a variety of fuel sources to help the maritime industry shift to lower- emission alternatives. One promising solution is the use of biocrude, hydrocarbon-rich oil produced through the thermochemical processing of inexpensive and abundant biomass. Common sources for biocrude include
Honeywell UOP Biocrude upgrading is fuelling the future of energy HARNESSING BIOMASS For cleaner seas and skies
New Honeywell UOP Biocrude Upgrading
10% More Renewable Fuel than other biomass- to-fuel pathways.
converts biocrudes into high yield, moneymaking renewable fuels.
Honeywell UOP technology
Renewable Fuels to help reduce transportation emissions.
turns these waste materials into energy-dense, easily transportable biocrude.
There are over 180 billion tons
of solid biomass waste generated every year This includes non-food forestry and agricultural residues. These waste materials are typically burned or discarded, providing minimal value.
Lower Cost of Production than today ' s renewable alternatives.
Figure 1 Biocrude Upgrading is fuelling the future of energy 1 F. Güleç, et al. Progress in lignocellulosic biomass valorization for biofuels and value-added chemical production in the EU: a focus on thermochemical conversion processes, Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefining, 18 (2023). 2 Based on Honeywell UOP calculations comparing conversion of pine biomass to naphtha, jet, diesel and marine fuel via pyrolysis and Biocrude Upgrading vs via once-through gasification pathways on a carbon basis. 3 Based on Honeywell UOP analysis comparing total production cost ($/MT of liquid product) using 1,500 MTD of pine biomass feed for Biocrude Upgrading vs used cooking oil feed for HEFA-based processes to make an equivalent amount of liquid fuel products.
tion can accelerate this shift. The process offers a pathway from solid biomass to 'drop-in' fuels that provide a cost-effec- tive and lower-carbon alternative to tradi- tional heavy fuel oil. This is possible in part because Biocrude Upgrading can produce up to 10% more renewable fuel than other biomass-to-fuel pathways.³ With higher energy density than many current biofuel alternatives, this renewa- ble marine fuel can extend a vessel’s range without requiring costly engine upgrades. Honeywell’s technology efficiently turns forestry trimmings, wood shavings, and timber debris – materials that are usually hard to use for fuel – into biocrude. This process handles their high oxygen and moisture content, making it easier for pro- ducers to use a wider range of feedstocks. Using abundant biomass as feedstock, along with straightforward technology, makes implementation easy for existing refiners while using existing infrastructure and equipment. Biocrude can then be transported and refined at large facilities into marine fuel, gasoline, or SAF, helping overcome the obstacles to converting biocrudes into fuels with performance comparable to conventional fuel. path forward Reducing carbon emissions is a top pri- ority for many large-scale organisations across all industries. Achieving lower ship- ping emissions will not be accomplished by a single solution; instead, it requires a comprehensive strategy that incorporates
renewable fuels, cleaner combustion sys- tems, digital optimisation, and more. The maritime sector continues to seek out renewable energy, but its pace depends on bridging the cost gap between tradi- tional and renewable fuels. This highlights a key role for refiners to enable wider use of innovative process technologies, such as upgraded biocrude, alongside lower- carbon fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, and e-fuels, in collaboration with shippers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Through embracing new technologies and fostering collaboration, refiners can accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels made from cost-effective renewable feed- stocks, helping reduce shipping emissions while diversifying product offerings and supporting the broader energy transition. References 1 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Review of Maritime Transport 2023: Towards a Green and Just Transition. United Nations , 2023. Accessed January 14, 2026. https://unctad.org/system/files/ official-document/rmt2023_en.pdf. 2 US Department of Energy, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. Maritime Innovation. Accessed January 14, 2026. https:// www.energy.gov/cmei/maritime-innovation. 3 Based on Honeywell UOP calculations com- paring conversion of pine biomass to naph- tha, jet, diesel and marine fuel via pyrolysis and Biocrude Upgrading vs via once-through gasifi- cation pathways on a carbon basis.
agricultural residues and organic waste, making it a more sustainable option for fuel production compared to more established methods. Although biocrude has been around for some time, recent technological improve- ments in fast pyrolysis, such as larger did you know? Biocrude Upgrading offers a pathway from solid biomass to 'drop-in' fuels that provide a cost- effective and lower- carbon alternative to traditional heavy fuel oil unit capacity, improved feedstock intro- duction, and streamlined processes, have made it much more practical for large- scale use. This approach allows for steady progress with transitional fuels and paves the way for wider use of advanced renew- able fuels as they become commercially available. Honeywell’s Biocrude Upgrading tech- nology offers a glimpse at how innova-
Contact: RenewableFuels@Honeywell.com
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