FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)

FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) is first-generation biodiesel made by transesterifying vegetable oils, used cooking oil, or animal fats with methanol, producing methyl esters that meet EN 14214 or ASTM D6751. In marine use it is blended into distillates: ISO 8217:2024 caps FAME at 7.0 v/v percent (B7) in standard DF grades and adds dedicated RF biofuel grades that allow unrestricted FAME content. FAME poor oxidation stability, water uptake, and microbial growth risk drive tighter storage and tank-cleanliness control than for mineral fuels. Cold-flow behavior and acid number limit high blends in cold climates. As a biofuel it lowers well-to-wake CO2 under FuelEU Maritime when feedstock is certified sustainable.