Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition, Green Marine collaborate to support biofuels in commercial shipping

The Michigan Soybean Committee announced April 8 that the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) and Green Marine have formed a new partnership aimed at accelerating adoption of sustainable biofuels to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions in Michigan and across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Green Marine is now a stakeholder in MiABC, while MiABC has become an association member of Green Marine.

Founded in 2022 by the Michigan Soybean Committee and Michigan Soybean Association, MiABC works to increase understanding and adoption of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels produced from renewable resources such as soybean oil.

Biodiesel is an immediate and readily available solution to reduce carbon and other emissions from marine vessels.

“With 3,224 miles of shoreline—second only to Alaska—our state is a major hub for shipping on the Great Lakes,” said Hanna Campbell, the market-development director for the Michigan Soybean Committee and managing director of MiABC.

“Partnering with Green Marine will be a great asset to our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of shipping by encouraging greater use of biofuels in commercial vessels,” Campbell added.

Green Marine is the leading environmental-certification program for the marine sector with offices in Seattle, Washington, and in the Canadian cities of Quebec City, Quebec, and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Green Marine International also oversees the Green Marine Europe program.

These voluntary initiatives target environmental issues related to biodiversity protection and community relations, as well as air, water and soil quality.

“This relationship will enable us to collaborate with industry leaders committed to reducing emissions and improving environmental performance,” said David Bolduc, the CEO of Green Marine International.

“By working together, we can accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels, benefiting both the Great Lakes region and the global shipping industry,” Bolduc said.

More information about Green Marine can be found here.

In addition to Green Marine, MiABC stakeholders include transportation providers, fuel suppliers, nonprofits, private companies and community-focused groups.

By joining the coalition, these organizations signal their commitment to improving Michigan communities through heightened energy security, cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Funding for MiABC comes from Michigan farmers through the soybean-checkoff program.

For more information about biodiesel and MiABC, visit miadvancedbiofuels.com.