Indonesian Navy to switch to B50 biodiesel from palm oil

The Indonesian Navy plans to use B50 biofuel, a blend of 50% palm oil-based biodiesel and 50% conventional diesel, for its patrol vessels. This was announced on April 16 by Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, as quoted by Antaranews.

The decision is part of a program to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. According to the admiral, the transition to the new standard will assist the navy in patrolling, providing logistics, and transporting troops. Biofuel is primarily planned for use on high-mobility vessels, which will require design modifications to the current marine engines.

Starting July 1, 2026, the use of the B50 standard will become mandatory throughout Indonesia. Indonesian authorities hope this measure will strengthen energy independence and improve the economy’s energy efficiency.

Experts estimate that raising Indonesia’s mandate to B50 will increase demand for palm oil by 1.5 million tonnes per year, reducing the volumes available for sale to foreign markets and expected to raise export prices for the product.

Tags: Indonesia, palm oil, biofuel