RFA Pushes for Ethanol’s Role in Cleaner Marine Shipping

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is advocating for the inclusion of ethanol in the global strategy to reduce marine shipping emissions as the International Maritime Association develops a net-zero framework. Currently, alternative fuels account for less than half of one percent of the marine shipping market, which is dominated by traditional bunker fuel grades. This push aims to leverage American-made biofuels to meet decarbonization goals and diversify the energy mix within the maritime sector.

Ed Hubbard, the Renewable Fuels Association’s (RFA) vice president of government affairs, has emphasized the need for ethanol to be included in the International Maritime Association’s developing net-zero framework. Hubbard points out that the global marine shipping market is currently dominated by bunker fuel grades, with alternative fuels making up less than half of one percent of the total market share. The RFA views the transition to sustainable maritime fuel as a significant opportunity for the U.S. ethanol industry to provide a cleaner energy source for global trade.

The RFA is targeting a market share increase for alternative fuels to approximately 5 percent, which Hubbard suggests would lead to a substantial rise in demand for American-made biofuels. To meet this potential demand, the U.S. ethanol industry currently has about two billion gallons of unused capacity that could be deployed immediately to support the maritime sector. This available supply positions ethanol as a viable, near-term solution for reducing emissions in a sector that has historically relied on heavy fossil fuels.

By advocating for ethanol's role in the net-zero framework, the RFA aims to ensure that the shipping industry has access to diverse and sustainable fuel options. Hubbard describes the maritime market as a "tremendous opportunity" for domestic producers to contribute to global decarbonization efforts. As the International Maritime Association continues to refine its environmental standards, the integration of ethanol could prove vital for ship operators seeking to lower their carbon intensity while utilizing existing biofuel production infrastructure.