With eye on future, USGBC expands into sustainable marine fuel markets 

By Emma Dostal, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council 

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch and USGBC Vice President Cary Sifferath visited Indiana in April to meet with Maersk, an international shipping logistics company and toured sustainable corn grower and ethanol operations. 

This trip follows a Joint Officers Mission earlier this year where Koch and other USGBC and National Corn Growers Association members visited Maersk stakeholders at their headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, and discussed sustainable maritime fuel opportunities for their business. 

“With ethanol quickly becoming a serious contender as a maritime fuel, global logistics companies like Maersk are engaging through pilots, policy development and supply chain interactions to gain a comprehensive picture of its potential,” Koch said. 

The Maersk team visited Indiana to learn more about the sustainability and efficiency of farming and ethanol production. The visits to a grower and the Shelbyville POET ethanol plant, a USGBC member, highlighted the advancements in both industries and emphasized the ability of ethanol to participate as an alternative fuel for the maritime sector. 

“Through partnership with groups like the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, the Council was able to provide an in-depth view of U.S. farming practices for the Maersk team,” Koch said. 

“Member participation allows us to showcase the benefits of ethanol and growing sustainability in farming as well as support the ability of the industry to enter new markets – especially exciting opportunities like maritime fuel.” 

Indiana Value of Trade: 2024 Report 

Exports of grain and grain products added $2.9 million in value to the Indiana economy in 2024, according to a ComplEat Analytics study commissioned by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and the National Corn Growers Association. 

Indiana contributed $937.7 million in corn export value. Ethanol export values totaled $753 million, and the export value of ethanol co-products was $387.8 million. This was a 148.6 percent and 42.2 percent increase respectively in export values from 2023. Corn, ethanol and co-products created $1.52 billion total in export value. 

Indiana growers also contributed a total of $2.22 million for all grain and grain products exported to the global market in 2024. 

The USGBC is pleased with the continued support and partnership with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.