The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to establish a clear and consistent definition for sustainable maritime fuel (SMF). This initiative aims to align efforts across the maritime community, industry, government, and other stakeholders to support the development and adoption of advanced fuel technologies. The effort is part of the DOE’s broader strategy to decarbonize transportation, building on the 2023 U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and the recently released Action Plan for Maritime Energy and Emissions Innovation.
The Action Plan calls for the federal government to define "sustainable maritime fuel," which DOE stated is critical to evaluating and determining future SMF production volume goals in the Action Plan and alternative fuels that align with the U.S. 2050 net emission goals.
"The global maritime sector is pursuing sustainable maritime fuels. The United States is well positioned to be a global leader in producing, distributing, and selling these sustainable fuels that can provide more affordable options to the market," said Michael Berube, deputy assistant secretary for sustainable transportation and fuels, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "This Request for Information will help align the industry around common definitions, enabling broader adoption across the economy."
DOE noted maritime fuel accounts for 4% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the U.S. transportation sector. The Department also stated that transitioning from traditional fuels to SMFs is identified as the fastest way to cut these emissions.
Depending on the feedstock, SMFs can reduce GHG emissions by 50% (e.g., biomass-based fuels) to over 100% (e.g., waste-derived fuels) the statement said. While drop-in replacements for conventional fuels are under development, the maritime sector is also exploring alternative energy sources such as clean methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, electrification, and efficiency improvements to achieve zero- and near-zero-emission goals.
The DOE highlighted that the RFI is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Department of State, Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies. It seeks input on key factors that may influence what qualifies as SMF, including minimum carbon intensity reductions, sustainability metrics, acceptable feedstocks, criteria air pollutant considerations, global standards, and emission reduction technologies.
Responses to the RFI must be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word attachment to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 28, 2025.
