The U.S. Maritime Administration is soliciting proposals for a vessel design challenge aimed at cutting fuel consumption and underwater radiated noise in the next generation of American commercial vessels. MARAD will provide up to $1.25 million through its Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance program, with individual cooperative agreements ranging from about $150,000 to $450,000.

The agency wants designs that demonstrate a 30 percent energy efficiency improvement over conventional vessels while meeting specified noise limits. MARAD calls the targets aspirational, and teams that fall short must document the technology limits and costs behind the gap.

Eligible concepts cover commercial vessels operating on coastal and inland waterways or the Great Lakes. Small watercraft, recreational boats and fishing vessels are out of scope. MARAD wants teams combining naval architects, marine engineers, shipyards, operators and technology suppliers, with preference for U.S.-led efforts and U.S.-flag operators. Projects must be completed within 18 months, and proposals are due January 10, 2027.