US biofuels groups call for American fuels inclusion in IMO framework
In the United States, the American Biofuels Maritime Initiative has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to push for a technology-neutral global maritime fuels framework at the IMO’s 84th Marine Environment Protection Committee session, one that includes ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, bio-LNG, and biomethanol.
The group argues that maritime shipping represents a major untapped market for American biofuel producers, with biofuels currently supplying roughly 0.3 percent of global maritime fuel demand. ABMI projects that share could reach 5 percent, representing 4 to 5 billion additional gallons of American biofuel demand and growth of 1.5 billion bushels or more in US corn consumption.
The letter also warns that without a unified international framework, regional regulations such as the EU’s FuelEU Maritime policy, which the group says effectively excludes American biofuels, will continue to fragment the market and raise costs for shippers. ABMI is co-chaired by the Renewable Fuels Association and the American Biogas Council.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
