The CatLiq process is a thermochemical conversion of wet biomass with process conditions near the critical point of water. Although the technology shares similarities with other thermochemical conversion processes such as liquefaction, pyrolysis and gasification it cannot be fully classified as one of these technologies. The process is a continuous process using both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts as well as the properties of near-critical water to achieve a conversion of biomass into a bio-oil product and a product gas. The CatLiq process is compared to these other thermochemical conversion methods to give a view of the similarities as well as the differences, including process conditions, feedstock requirements and product types. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.