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Vessel Emission Reduction Pilot/Demonstration Project (MARAD) - FAQs

What is the Vessel Emission Reduction Pilot/Demonstration Project?

It is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Transportation, administered through the Maritime Administration (MARAD), specifically MARAD's Office of Environment. The solicitation is designed to fund a pilot or demonstration project that can show measurable reductions in vessel-related air emissions and/or measurable energy savings during real-world marine operations.

What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement. That generally means MARAD expects to remain involved during the project period (for example, coordinating on technical direction, reporting, and/or evaluation), rather than providing funding with minimal ongoing federal participation.

What is the main goal of the program?

The core purpose is to support demonstration-grade efforts that produce credible, measurable outcomes showing reduced vessel emissions and/or improved energy efficiency, with results that can inform broader use across the maritime sector.

What kinds of emissions are projects expected to reduce?

Projects are intended to reduce criteria air pollutants and/or greenhouse gas emissions. The notice references criteria pollutants in the common regulatory sense (often including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone-related precursors, and lead, depending on context) and also highlights greenhouse gas reductions.

Are energy efficiency improvements part of what MARAD is looking for?

Yes. The solicitation emphasizes measurable energy savings and improved energy efficiency as a key outcome area, either on its own or in combination with emissions reductions.

What types of projects does MARAD emphasize?

The summary highlights practical, vessel-centered approaches, particularly: (1) repowering marine vessels (such as replacing or substantially upgrading engines or power systems to cleaner, more efficient configurations) and (2) deploying energy conservation technologies or operational measures.

Does the opportunity focus on studies and planning, or on real-world demonstrations?

It is oriented toward pilot and demonstration efforts that can be implemented on vessels and verified through performance and emissions outcomes, rather than purely theoretical or paper-based studies.

What makes a proposal more competitive based on the summary information?

Based on the listing summary, strong proposals are likely to (a) quantify expected emissions reductions and/or energy savings, (b) demonstrate feasibility in marine environments, (c) produce credible data and lessons learned, and (d) show that the approach could be replicated or scaled beyond a single vessel if successful.

Is this considered a research and development opportunity?

Yes. The funding activity category is listed under science and technology and other research and development, signaling an emphasis on demonstration-grade work that generates useful results and evidence.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity may apply, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full solicitation text. The summary suggests this could include private companies, vessel owners/operators, ports, state or local agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and partnerships or consortiums, as long as the application meets the stated requirements.

Do applicants need access to a vessel to apply?

The summary indicates projects are vessel-centered and focused on repowering or implementing energy conservation measures on vessels, so applicants would typically need access to a suitable vessel platform and the technical capacity to implement and document the measures.

How many awards does MARAD expect to make?

The listing indicates an expectation of one award.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The notice lists an award ceiling of $900. However, the summary also notes this amount is unusually low for a vessel repower or technology demonstration and may reflect a placeholder, partial listing, or data-entry artifact. The attached full solicitation would be the appropriate place to confirm the actual funding range and budget expectations.

Where should applicants confirm the actual funding range, allowable costs, and any cost-share expectations?

The summary indicates that the detailed requirements are contained in an attached "Full Description" (the official RFP attachment). That document is where applicants should confirm the true funding range, whether cost share is required, what costs are allowable, and the precise scope MARAD intends to fund.

What are the key identifiers for this funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity number is DTMA91R1600041, and the CFDA number is 20.817.

When was the opportunity created and when was it originally due?

The public listing states it was created on August 3, 2016, with an original closing date of September 23, 2016.

If the posted dates are old, is the listing still useful?

Even if the dates are historical, the listing provides a clear snapshot of MARAD's intent for this program area: to catalyze real-world demonstrations that reduce harmful air pollution and climate emissions from marine vessels through repowering and energy-saving technologies or measures, and to generate credible results that can support broader adoption across the maritime industry.

Which part of MARAD is associated with this solicitation?

The opportunity is issued through MARAD, with the summary specifically referencing MARAD's Office of Environment.

What is meant by "repowering" in the context of this grant?

In this listing, repowering refers to replacing or substantially upgrading vessel engines or power systems to cleaner, more efficient configurations, with the intent of achieving measurable reductions in emissions and/or measurable energy savings.

What is meant by "energy conservation technologies or operational measures" here?

The summary uses this phrase to describe technology deployments or operational approaches that improve vessel energy efficiency and deliver measurable energy savings (and potentially emissions reductions) in real marine operations.

What kinds of results is MARAD looking for from a funded demonstration?

MARAD is seeking measurable, verifiable outcomes, including quantified emissions reductions and/or energy savings, along with credible data and lessons learned that can be useful beyond the specific vessel involved in the pilot.