Blois Olson

The discussion examines market opportunities, infrastructure requirements, technology pathways, and practical challenges for lower-carbon marine fuels, including differences in commercial readiness, cost, emissions performance, vessel compatibility, and infrastructure needs. Topics include maritime decarbonization and fuel demand; ethanol, biodiesel, renewable natural gas, bio-LNG, hydrogen, and ammonia; Great Lakes and Mississippi River supply chains; port demand; and actionable opportunities for Minnesota agriculture and renewable energy. The keynote addresses agricultural supply, slowing food demand, pressure on traditional ethanol markets, and the potential for new fuel markets to support farm profitability. A pathways panel compares ethanol, biodiesel, and bio-LNG, covering supply infrastructure, engine and vessel compatibility, carbon accounting, costs, deployment at commercial scale, pipeline access, and coastal liquefaction. A logistics panel examines Midwest-to-vessel supply chains, Great Lakes opportunities, vessel-size limits, and fuel requirements at major ports. An interactive session considers bio-methanol and green ammonia, hydrogen investment and availability, CO₂ sourcing, fuel handling and combustion, and tradeoffs among fertilizer, transportation fuel, and other hydrogen uses. The closing discussion focuses on Minnesota’s next steps.