Biofuels for Maritime Transportation: A Spatial, Techno-Economic, and Logistic Analysis in Brazil, Europe, South Africa, and the USA

Low or zero carbon fuels are crucial for maritime transportation decarbonization goals. This paper assesses potential localities biofuels (biobunkers) production in Brazil, Europe, South Africa, and United States considering geographical, logistic, economic aspects. assessment combines georeferenced techno-economic analyses to identify suitable fuel hotspots based on not only plant performance costs but also logistic integration biomass seasonality. Five technology pathways were considered: Straight vegetable Oils (SVO), Hydrotreated Vegetable (HVO), Fischer–Tropsch Biomass-to-liquids (FT-BTL), Alcohol oligomerization middle distillates (ATD), Pyrolysis Oil (HDPO). Findings reveal that concentration Brazil makes it the region with highest biobunker potential, which mostly close coastal areas surpasses regional demand. Although other regions registered more limited potentials, proximity ports would enable fossil replacements these areas. For all cases, (USD 21–104/GJ) higher than conventional marine prices 11–17/GJ). Only 15% of hotspots’ allow its competitiveness lower USD 100/tCO2. Alternatives incentivize be, first, establish mandatory blends second, join forces sectors be benefited from co-production advanced biofuels.