The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) has welcomed German ethanol producer Berkel AHK Alkoholhandel GmbH & Co. KG as a founding member, with both organizations targeting marine fuel applications as a growth area.

Berkel AHK is an ISCC EU-certified producer, trader, and service provider of ethanol in Germany. The company was founded in 1847 and has remained under the same family ownership since its establishment.

According to the GEA, the collaboration will focus on advancing ethanol's role in emerging sectors, particularly marine fuels, where sustainable solutions are increasingly in demand.

The association said Berkel AHK will contribute market insight, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing to help drive global adoption of ethanol as part of the energy transition.

The marine fuel sector has been exploring alternative fuel options as the International Maritime Organization implements regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Ethanol is among several alternative fuels being considered alongside ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen.

The GEA describes itself as focused on promoting ethanol's role across various sectors, with marine fuels representing a potential growth market as the shipping industry seeks to decarbonize.

Berkel AHK's membership comes as the ethanol industry looks to expand beyond traditional applications in road transport and industrial uses into maritime applications, where fuel specifications and supply chain requirements differ from land-based operations.

The partnership between the two organizations will involve joint efforts to develop ethanol solutions for the marine sector, according to the announcement.