The document titled Request for Information: Defining Sustainable Maritime Fuels in the United States seeks input from stakeholders to help define “Sustainable Maritime Fuel” (SMF) in alignment with national decarbonization goals. Issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this effort focuses on fostering collaboration among industry, government, and communities to advance zero- and near-zero-emission fuels in the maritime sector.

The maritime industry primarily relies on residual fuel oils, distillates, and gasoline, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants. To mitigate these impacts, the DOE is exploring how SMF should be defined, including considerations of carbon intensity, life cycle assessments, environmental impact, feedstock sustainability, and integration with clean hydrogen production. The initiative supports global regulatory trends, such as International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets and European Union policies.

The request for information (RFI) asks for feedback on critical areas, including metrics to measure sustainability, methodologies for evaluating emissions, criteria for acceptable feedstocks, and approaches for assessing methane and ammonia emissions during fuel production. Stakeholders are also invited to suggest relevant data sources and frameworks to ensure SMF definitions are robust and science-based.

Respondents are encouraged to provide concise, targeted feedback that can assist in shaping federal policies, technology advancements, and industry innovation in sustainable maritime fuels. While participation in the RFI does not guarantee funding, it will help inform DOE’s future initiatives and priorities.

Responses must be submitted electronically to DefiningSMF@ee.doe.gov no later than February 28, 2025. Submissions should include institutional contact details and address the questions in the RFI within a maximum of three pages.