Phased Implementation of B50 on Ferry Vessels Urged
The Central Board of the Indonesian National Ferry Operators Association (DPP Gapasdap) has expressed appreciation for the government’s plan to implement the B50 programme as part of efforts to strengthen national energy security. However, the implementation on ferry vessels must be carried out in stages, based on scientific testing, and must prioritise shipping safety.
DPP Gapasdap Chairman Khoiri Soetomo stated that ferry operators fundamentally support the government’s policy to increase the use of domestic energy and reduce dependence on imported diesel. Nevertheless, he noted that the application of B50 in the shipping sector requires caution because the operational characteristics of ships differ from those of land vehicles.
‘Ferry vessels transport millions of passengers, vehicles, and logistics between islands every year. Therefore, any change in fuel specifications must be ensured not to reduce the level of safety, engine reliability, or service continuity to the public,’ Khoiri said in a press release in Jakarta on Tuesday (30/6/2026).
According to him, ships operate under far more complex conditions compared to land transport. Disruptions to the fuel system that might still be tolerable in land vehicles could pose significantly greater risks if they occur while a ship is sailing.
He also reminded that international regulations pay special attention to the use of biofuels with blend content above 30 percent. Under International Maritime Organization (IMO) provisions, the use of such fuel types must meet additional requirements, including ensuring engine compliance with emission standards and operational safety aspects.
Furthermore, several research findings from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) indicate that the use of high-concentration biodiesel has the potential to cause a decline in engine performance. This is accompanied by increased fuel consumption and changes in fuel characteristics that require attention in ship engine operations.
Studies also note that biodiesel tends to degrade more easily during storage, is more susceptible to microbial contamination, and can increase the formation of sludge. Khoiri stated that in a ship’s fuel system, these conditions could potentially accelerate filter clogging, increase the load on separators, and add to maintenance requirements.
Khoiri assessed that if disruptions to the fuel system cause the fuel supply to the engine to be interrupted, the ship could experience a loss of propulsion. In narrow shipping lanes, strong currents, or during berthing, such a condition could potentially increase the risk of a shipping accident.
‘Shipping safety must not be compromised. Therefore, the implementation of B50 must begin with adequate testing before it is widely applied,’ Khoiri said.