New Maritime Initiative Seeks to Expand U.S. Biofuels

A new maritime biofuels coalition aims to position ocean shipping as a significant growth market for U.S. crops and waste-derived fuels.

trade_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — A new coalition, the American Biofuels Maritime Initiative (ABMI), aims to open a major new market for U.S. farmers by promoting American-made biofuels for global shipping.

Co-chaired by the Renewable Fuels Association and the American Biogas Council, the group will work with the Trump Administration and Congress to lock in policies that favor U.S. biofuels in the maritime sector and position the United States as a leader in future marine fuel standards.

ABMI plans to advocate for policies that make it easier to use ethanol, biomethane, bio-LNG, biodiesel, and renewable diesel in ocean-going vessels. That would create new demand for feedstocks such as corn, sorghum, soybeans, and organic waste from U.S. farms and processors, thereby tying rural supply chains directly to international freight.

Backers say leveraging existing biofuel and port infrastructure, while encouraging new maritime investments, could strengthen farm income, build resilience in rural economies, and keep more fuel value at home as global shipping decarbonizes.

Related Stories
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Weather remains the primary driver for wheat price outlook.
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
Acre reporting is crucial to maximize specialty crop aid.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.