MARAD RFP offers LNG conversion cost shares

APRIL 14, 2015 — The U.S. Maritime Administration’s Office of Environment has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for projects that focus on vessel conversion to natural gas in an effort to measure in situ change in criteria pollutant emissions and greenhouse gas emissions before and after the conversion.

Over the past several years, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has been partnering with other government agencies, industry, and academia on efforts to reduce vessel and port air emissions and greenhouse gases as well as support the use of alternative fuels and energy sources. Several MARAD efforts are underway to address emissions reductions, specifically through development of planning and modeling tools and in situ testing of alternative fuels, repowers, and emissions reduction and energy efficiency technology.

MARAD recognizes the limited Federal funding opportunities specific to the maritime sector for projects in these areas and proposes to enter into an incentive cooperative agreement to help offset costs. The total amount of funding under the RFP will be $900,000.

Eligibility: MARAD is seeking to provide cost share funding through cooperative agreements for U.S.-flagged vessels that operate on inland, coastal waterways, or the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include vessel owners, operators, or sponsors.

Awardees will be expected to complete a natural gas conversion on an existing vessel and measure/document pre- and post-conversion emissions and other operational characteristics via in situ testing methods. Data and information collected must be made available to MARAD and can be used publicly.

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