Ahead of the upcoming meeting of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee next week, the American Biofuels Maritime Initiative (ABMI) is calling on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to support a central role for American-made biofuels in the future of global maritime shipping policy.

In a letter to Secretary Rubio, ABMI stressed that U.S. leadership is critical to ensuring the discussions on a global maritime fuels framework remain technology-neutral and include commercially available solutions such as ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and bio-LNG.

“With the U.S. leading the way, it is estimated that LNG could supply 50% of the maritime fuel mix by 2050, with bio-LNG contributing an additional 13%.2 Biofuels have a current market share of just ~0.3% of the energy for global maritime shipping, but could move to supply 5% of the global maritime fuel market, equating to a demand increase of 4–5 billion gallons, while simultaneously growing corn demand by 1.5 billion bushels or more.”

The American Biofuels Maritime Initiative is co-chaired by the American Biogas Council and the Renewable Fuels Association and includes National Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, Marquis, and Roeslein Renewables as members.

“American biofuel producers stand ready to supply new markets and reinforce U.S. leadership in global energy,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “As the International Maritime Organization considers the future of maritime fuels, we appreciate the United States working to advance a technology-neutral approach that fully includes American-made biofuels. Expanding into maritime markets will drive new demand for U.S. farmers, support rural economies, and strengthen our nation’s position as a global energy leader.”

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) will meet for its 84th session in person at IMO Headquarters in London (with remote participation enabled) starting on Monday, April 27.