In February, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council conducted a maritime fuels mission in Panama, bringing together a delegation of ethanol industry leaders and Council members to explore new export and market development opportunities. The visit focused on positioning U.S. ethanol as a viable component of the global shipping industry’s energy transition.
USGBC Regional Director of Latin America Marri Tejada said, “Maritime fuel could be a promising opportunity for the U.S. ethanol industry, representing the next frontier in biofuel integration.” She emphasized that as global shipping works to reduce emissions and comply with tightening international standards, biofuels like ethanol are increasingly part of the conversation.
Tejada also underscored Panama’s strategic importance to global trade. She noted that the country plays a critical role in the global maritime sector due to the influence and reach of the Panama Canal. Developing interest in U.S. ethanol as a maritime fuel input in this key location, she said, will elevate and highlight its benefits to the shipping industry worldwide.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from the Panama Canal Authority, private sector operators, industry associations, and members of the international maritime community. The conversations centered on fuel diversification, emissions reduction goals, and long-term supply considerations.
A primary objective of the mission was to assess the feasibility of integrating ethanol into Panama’s maritime fuel sector in alignment with the country’s decarbonization roadmap and the Panama Canal’s evolving fuel strategy. Council members explored how ethanol could complement existing marine fuels and potentially support broader sustainability targets within international shipping.
The mission reflects a broader effort by the U.S. ethanol industry to identify emerging markets beyond traditional transportation uses, as policymakers and global trade hubs evaluate lower-carbon fuel options.
