Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance
The Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program (META) supports the research, demonstration, and development of emerging technologies, practices, and processes to support a safe, efficient, and competitive U.S. Maritime Transportation System. META partners closely with other government agencies, industry, academia, and NGOs to carry out its mission. Results of META-funded projects help to "de-risk" new technology applications and provides necessary data for industry to understand "what works." In addition, data from META projects support US policy decisions.
Since its inception, projects funded through META have primarily focused on major environmental issues such as vessel and port emissions reduction and the control of aquatic invasive species transported by vessels. Over the years, those topics have broadened to include energy efficiency, emissions, alternative fuel and technology applications, hull fouling, and most recent, vessel-generated underwater noise. These topics present significant continuing challenges for ship owners and operators, the regulatory community, and the public. As other maritime environmental issues emerge, additional areas of study may be included.
Project Types
Recognizing that "one size does not fit all," META strives to provide flexibility within the confines of the Program's legislative charge. Depending on the data needs, META projects typically range from investigative studies to demonstration projects as well as modeling tools to technology verification.
How We Work
- Tools. MARAD authority allows META to use various acquisition tools to pursue maritime environmental research, development, and demonstration projects.
- Financial responsibility. MARAD is particularly interested in collaborative cost-sharing efforts in partnership with government agencies, academia, and non-governmental organizations. These efforts seek to provide vital information to government stakeholders and the maritime industry regarding effective and affordable environmental regulation and cost-effective means to achieve compliance.
- Investigative projects. Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs): Depending on research requirements, MARAD posts competitive Requests for Information/Proposals to investigate or demonstrate particular issues or areas. RFIs/RFPs are typically open for a 30 to 60-day period. In addition to RFIs/RFPs, MARAD also enters into Interagency Agreement with Federal agencies to explore areas of mutual interest.
