A SWOT-AHP analysis on biodiesel as an alternative future marine fuel

Area of Science:

• Marine engineering and alternative energy sources.
• Sustainable fuel technologies and environmental impact assessment.

Background:

• Growing global energy demands necessitate alternative fuels, particularly in the maritime sector.
• International Maritime Organization regulations and environmental concerns drive the adoption of biodiesel.
• Biodiesel, encompassing various generations and types like bioethanol and renewable diesel, is a key alternative fuel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively evaluate the multifaceted aspects of using biodiesel as a marine fuel.
• To identify and prioritize factors influencing biodiesel adoption in the maritime industry using a structured methodology.

Main Methods:

• Application of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method.
• In-depth analysis involving 16 maritime experts with an average of 10.5 years of experience.
• Development of SWOT factors and sub-factors based on a literature review of biomass and alternative fuels.

Main Results:

• "Opportunity" emerged as the most significant factor, while "Threats" were least prominent.
• "Tax privilege on green and alternative fuels supported by the authorities" (O4) received the highest weighting among sub-factors.
• The study calculated local and global ranks for factors and sub-factors using Priority Weights (PW) and Importance Priority Weights (IPW).

Conclusions:

• Biodiesel presents significant opportunities for the maritime industry, particularly with government support and tax incentives.
• The development of new-generation biodiesel and alternative fuels is essential for meeting future maritime energy demands.
• This research provides valuable insights for experts, academics, and stakeholders navigating the complexities of marine biodiesel adoption.