Maersk is preparing to trial a 50/50 ethanol–methanol fuel blend on the container vessel Laura Maersk, expanding its evaluation of lower-emission fuel options for its dual-fuel fleet. The test follows an initial trial conducted in October and November in which the company successfully used a 10% ethanol and 90% e-methanol blend.

According to Maersk, the first phase demonstrated that ethanol can be safely integrated into a dual-fuel methanol engine without affecting ignition, combustion efficiency or operational characteristics such as lubricity and corrosiveness. The results confirm that the company’s dual-fuel methanol engines can also function as dual-fuel alcohol engines, broadening Maersk’s future fuel flexibility.

Laura Maersk, the world’s first dual-fuel container ship designed to operate on methanol, will now test a 50% ethanol blend before moving to a planned trial using 100% ethanol. Ethanol and methanol share similar chemical properties, enabling a relatively straightforward adaptation of the engine and fuel system.

Emma Mazhari, head of energy markets at Maersk, said: "At Maersk, we believe multiple fuel pathways are essential for the shipping industry to meet its climate ambitions. That means consciously exploring different options and technologies."

The initial trial tested whether the E10 blend would ignite and burn as efficiently as pure methanol while maintaining comparable lubricity and corrosiveness characteristics.

Following the planned E50 test, Maersk intends to conduct a trial using 100% ethanol.

Mazhari added: "Ethanol has a proven track record with an established market and existing infrastructure and offers an additional pathway for decarbonisation. By gradually increasing ethanol content, we gain valuable insights into engine performance and combustion impacts, informing fuel sourcing potential."

The ethanol used in the trials is anhydrous, the same type used worldwide for gasoline blending. The United States and Brazil account for roughly 80% of global production. Created from biomass such as corn or sugar cane, ethanol offers a well-established market and supply chain, making it a scalable option for the maritime sector.

However, Maersk noted that sustainability considerations remain critical, including avoiding direct or indirect land conversion, preventing competition with food and feed production, and ensuring robust traceability and certification across the supply chain.

The company said collaboration with engine manufacturers and other stakeholders will be essential as it explores ethanol’s role alongside existing low-emission fuels. Ethanol now joins bio- and e-methanol, biodiesel and, from 2027, liquefied biomethane and LNG within Maersk’s expanding low-emission fuel portfolio.

Maersk decided in 2021 that all new vessel orders must feature dual-fuel capability. By the end of 2025, the company expects 19 dual-fuel vessels to be in operation as it continues to evaluate scalable alternatives to conventional marine fuels.