MARAD Launches Alternative Fuels Study on Great Lakes

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced the launch of a 16-month study exploring low carbon fuel options for shipping on the Great Lakes.

The research group, led by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) in partnership with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), will assess the suitability of alternative fuels and power options for Great Lakes shipping.

The bi-national Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System is one of the largest commercial waterways in the country, extending more than 2,000 miles and providing access to more than 110 ports.

“Decarbonizing the maritime industry has been a key objective of the Biden-Harris Administration, and MARAD is excited to be part of a study that will investigate new fuel and power options for Great Lakes shipping,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. 

Over 16-months period, researchers will assess alternative fuels and power options in the region and will develop a detailed profile of Great Lakes fleets, ports, and fueling infrastructure. We reached out to MARAD to understand more about what kinds of alternative fuels and power options will be included in the study, but so far we have not heard back.

“We look forward to seeing the results and applying these results to future studies. The project will also summarize relevant domestic and international environmental regulations that will influence the uptake of these technologies,” MARAD said in a statement.

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