Maersk Advances Ethanol Testing to Broaden Low-Emission Fuel Options

Maersk is expanding its low-emission fuel strategy by testing ethanol as a complementary fuel for its dual-fuel methanol engine technology. After a successful initial trial last October and November, the company will now test a 50/50 blend of ethanol and methanol onboard the vessel Laura Mærsk. The first trial used a 10% ethanol blend and confirmed that ethanol can be safely integrated without affecting engine performance.

According to Emma Mazhari, Head of Energy Markets at Maersk, the company believes that multiple fuel pathways are essential for shipping to meet global climate targets and therefore continues to explore alternative solutions. The tests aim to increase flexibility across Maersk’s methanol-powered fleet, potentially enabling the vessels to operate as dual-fuel alcohol ships.

Laura Mærsk, the world’s first container vessel designed to operate on methanol, served as the platform for evaluating whether ethanol blends can ignite and burn efficiently, while matching the lubricity and corrosive properties of methanol. Encouraged by results showing no negative impact on performance, Maersk is planning further tests using 100% ethanol.

Ethanol, already widely produced from biomass such as corn and sugar cane, has a mature global market and infrastructure — particularly in the United States and Brazil. Maersk is reviewing the sustainability factors associated with using crop-based fuels, including emissions, traceability and land-use impacts.

To ensure long-term decarbonisation, Maersk has committed to ordering only dual-fuel vessels since 2021, with 19 scheduled to be in operation by 2025.