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
Rex Gray, Corn Product Manager for Golden Harvest, discusses how the company works side-by-side with farmers to develop strong-performing hybrids built to fit their acres.
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.
Expect business-as-usual for most container exports.
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
Considering raising your own replacements instead of buying bred heifers? Three key factors to consider before investing capital.

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:

Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns
Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.
U.S. Farmers Face Shifting Harvest Pace, Basis, and Input Costs
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insight into what’s happening on the ground and in the markets.
Expect choppier basis and wider bids — hedge earlier, keep logistics flexible, and watch Argentina and India headlines for near-term opportunities.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.