MARAD to award up to $1.5M for projects for emission reductions from marine vessels
09 May 2012
The US Maritime Administration’ Office of Environment is soliciting (DTMA-91-R-2012-0019) proposals for up to $1.5 million in funding for projects that demonstrate criteria pollutant emissions or carbon emissions reductions from marine vessels through repowering, re-engining or installation of other pollution reduction technologies, or the use of alternative fuel/energy.
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.
The total amount of funding under the new RFP will be $1,500,000; MARAD anticipates making thee awards. MARAD is seeking to provide cost-share funding through cooperative agreements for US-flagged vessels that operate on inland or coastal waterways. Eligible applicants include vessel owners, operators, or sponsors.
Awardees must demonstrate a reduction of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), or carbon through an approved emissions testing scheme. Data collected under the cooperative agreement, including that related to costs, emissions, and fuel consumption must be made available to MARAD and can be used publicly. Shore side equipment upgrade or shore power projects are not eligible for funding.
MARAD will use the results and data to support further air emissions reduction research and demonstration projects and to demonstrate the public benefit of future incentives to improve vessel related environmental stewardship.
Projects that will be funded under the RFP include engine repowers, retrofits, the use of alternative fuels, or the use of alternative technologies such as hybrid engines and other emissions reduction technologies. MARAD will not fund more than 75% of the total cost of the project.
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