EVALUATION OF BIODIESEL-BUNKER FUEL BLENDS AS MARINE POLLUTANTS
INTERNATIONAL BLACK SEA TRADE AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT CONGRESS, Rize, Türkiye, 4 - 06 Mayıs 2026, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.80-94, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
- Cilt numarası: 1
- Basıldığı Şehir: Rize
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.80-94
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
With the acceleration of decarbonization policies in the maritime sector, the use of biodiesel-based alternative fuels has become increasingly widespread. In particular, FAME- and HVO-based biodiesel blends have emerged as a feasible short-term solution due to their compatibility with existing marine engines and fuel infrastructure. Nevertheless, the pollutant behavior of these fuels in the event of accidental releases into the marine environment, as well as the adequacy of existing response systems, has not yet been fully clarified. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of biodiesel bunker fuel blends as marine pollutants, their environmental behavior, their implications for response measures, and the gaps in existing regulatory frameworks. In this context, findings derived from the existing literature, regulatory documents, operational practices, and recovery tests were examined collectively. The study found that, following a spill, biodiesel blends generally spread on the water surface in a manner similar to conventional marine fuels. However, it was also determined that certain specific considerations should be taken into account in spill response planning due to their lower evaporation, faster biodegradation, partial sinking tendency under certain conditions, detectability challenges arising from thin-film formation, and solidification-like behavior in cold waters. The study further demonstrates that existing mechanical recovery systems can remain effective in responding to spills involving biodiesel blends when appropriate conditions and correct equipment selection are ensured. At the same time, it is recommended that emergency response plans be updated to explicitly address biodiesel blends, that training and awareness be enhanced, that liability and compensation regimes in the regulatory framework be clarified, and that further field-based studies be conducted. In conclusion, biodiesel-bunker fuel blends do not necessitate an entirely new response system in terms of marine pollution response; however, they do require the targeted adaptation of existing response infrastructure.