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
Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to provide analysis on the January WASDE report and expectations for grain markets going forward.
Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.

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:

Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
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.