Maritec-Naias successfully hosted its seminar “Biofuels in Practice: Regulation, Risks, Claims & Reality” at Posidonia 2026, bringing together leading voices from across the maritime industry to examine the operational, regulatory, and technical realities of biofuel adoption.

The seminar, held at Seminar Room 2B, Hall 2, featured expert presentations and case studies that underscored both the opportunities and challenges of biofuels in the decarbonisation journey.

Key Highlights:

• EmiCert: Elvira Koutsouki, Shipping GHG Verifier, outlined the financial exposure shipowners face under the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations, emphasising how emissions are increasingly translated into direct operational costs. She demonstrated how alternative fuels, including biofuels, can serve as compliance tools and cost optimisers when paired with targeted operational strategies.
• Maritec-Naias: Dr. Chrysa Tsesmeli, Lab Quality Manager, examined the practical challenges and future trends of marine biofuels, reinforcing Maritec-Naias’ role in supporting shipowners with accurate testing, compliance solutions, and technical expertise.
• Contships Management: Angelos Tyrogala, Chief Operating Officer, drew from more than three years of biofuel stems across Contships' feeder container fleet — fully in scope for FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS — Tyrogalas outlined the structural position owners face when charterers introduce biofuels as a compliance tool: holding regulatory liability for fuel they did not procure, from a supplier they have no contractual relationship with. The presentation covered nine real cases across three categories — physical and handling risks, commercial disputes, and Proof of Sustainability failures — and the specific charterparty clause mechanisms Contships developed in response.
  
  Contships also shared its experience obtaining flag state approval for HVO 100 operations, having confirmed technical feasibility directly with engine makers Everllence (formerly MAN) and Wärtsilä. Tyrogalas concluded that the owner's exposure in biofuel operations is structural rather than exceptional, and that a well-drafted charterparty clause remains the only reliable mechanism for ensuring that liability follows the decision-maker rather than the vessel.
   
• Brookes Bell: David Browbank, Fuel Chemist, addressed the technical complexities of modern marine fuel blends, including FAME and non-FAME renewable components. He presented real-world case studies on fuel stability, contamination allegations, and evidential challenges, underscoring the need for advanced testing and investigative approaches.

Industry Impact:

The seminar highlighted that biofuels, while central to decarbonisation strategies, present structural, technical, and contractual challenges that must be addressed through collaboration, innovation, and robust risk management.

Rebecca Bridgen of INNOV8 SOCIAL moderated the session, ensuring lively discussion and a comprehensive Q&A that engaged shipowners, charterers, and technical experts alike.

About Maritec-Naias

At the forefront of marine energy transition and environmental compliance, Maritec-Naias combines over three decades of expertise with global reach to support a cleaner, compliant maritime future. As part of Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. (CTI Group) and born from the legacy of MARITEC Singapore and NAIAS Greece, we deliver next-generation solutions in marine fuel oil, lubricant oil, discharge water, hazardous materials and compliance testing, including accredited on-board surveys and reporting. Headquartered in Singapore, our worldwide network spans 15+ offices and 3 state-of-the-art labs in Singapore, Greece & China, serving 3000+ clients globally. From traditional fuels to emerging alternatives, we ensure accuracy, integrity and assurance in navigating evolving regulations. For more information on our services & solutions visit www.maritec-naias.com.

For any further enquiries write to admin@maritec.com.sg or info@naiaslabs.com