The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) titled Defining Sustainable Maritime Fuels in the United States. This RFI seeks input to inform the development of a U.S. definition for Sustainable Maritime Fuel (SMF), a key step in advancing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support clean energy transitions in the maritime industry.

The DOE, in collaboration with other agencies, aims to gather stakeholder feedback on essential components of the SMF definition. These include sustainability factors, carbon intensity reductions, acceptable feedstocks, alignment with global regulations, and the role of emission reduction technologies such as onboard carbon capture.

The maritime industry relies heavily on residual fuel oil, distillate, and gasoline, which are derived from crude oil and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. SMFs, such as sustainable biofuels, clean methanol, clean ammonia, and clean hydrogen, offer a pathway to reduce life cycle emissions. The Action Plan estimates U.S. maritime emissions at approximately 101.2 million metric tons annually, accounting for 4% of transportation sector emissions. Emerging global regulations, led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the EU, add urgency to defining SMFs to bolster U.S. competitiveness and energy independence.

The RFI outlines several key areas for stakeholder feedback. Participants are encouraged to share perspectives on defining SMF, integrating sustainability aspects, setting GHG emission limits, addressing non-GHG emissions like NOx and SOx, and identifying acceptable feedstocks. Specific questions also address potential methane and ammonia "slip" emissions, clean hydrogen's role, and appropriate life cycle assessment methodologies for both domestic and international feedstocks.

Responses must be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word attachment to DefiningSMF@ee.doe.gov by 5:00 PM ET on February 28, 2025. Submissions are limited to three pages with specific formatting requirements. This RFI is for information-gathering purposes only and does not represent a funding opportunity. Responses will inform DOE's strategy but do not obligate respondents to future commitments.