American Biofuels Maritime Initiative urges state department to champion US biofuels in upcoming IMO discussions

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the American Biofuels Maritime Initiative called for strong U.S. leadership at the International Maritime Organization to ensure that American-made biofuels play a central role in the future of global maritime-shipping policy.

As the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee advances discussions on a global maritime-fuels framework, ABMI said it seeks to emphasize the importance of global policies that prioritize affordability, reliability and energy diversity.

U.S. leadership is critical to ensuring the framework remains technology-neutral and inclusive of commercially available solutions such as ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and biobased liquefied natural gas (bio-LNG).

A workable framework could help to expand export-market opportunities for U.S. fuels and support President Donald Trump’s America First trade-policy agenda.

ABMI noted the U.S. EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard policy reinforces the importance of homegrown energy, recently finalizing a 26.81 billion gallon of ethanol-equivalent obligation for renewable fuel use in 2026.

Despite strong production capacity, however, American biofuel producers face demand-constrained markets alongside economic challenges for farmers, including volatile commodity prices and ongoing operational losses, ABMI stated.

Expansion of opportunities within maritime markets would alleviate hardships faced by U.S. farmers while boosting U.S. agricultural output.

“American biofuel producers stand ready to supply new markets and reinforce U.S. leadership in global energy,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “As the International Maritime Organization considers the future of maritime fuels, we appreciate the United States working to advance a technology-neutral approach that fully includes American-made biofuels. Expanding into maritime markets will drive new demand for U.S. farmers, support rural economies and strengthen our nation’s position as a global energy leader.”

Patrick Serfass, executive director of the American Biogas Council, added, “This is one of the best opportunities the U.S. has had in recent memory to create new markets for American-made biofuels. Support by the administration now will catalyze new investment, infrastructure, and projects that largely benefit American farms.”

ABMI said it appreciated the state department’s engagement and remains committed to working with the Trump administration ahead of and beyond the upcoming MEPC 84 session.

A full list of ABMI’s recommendations can be found in the letter.