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Global logistics company A.P. Moller-Maersk has started testing a blend of Brazilian ethanol with methanol and marine diesel for its ship engines in line with its goal to decarbonize ocean container transport
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“This is the first time ethanol is being burned in a two-stroke engine that’s four stories tall – it’s a completely different scale of research and level of concern,” Danilo Veras, vice president of Regulatory Policies at Maersk Latam, is quoted in a Reuters report
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Veras said the comapny chose the Brazilian ethanol for the test because it has a relatively low impact for deforestation as the supply comes from existing production areas
Global logistics company A.P. Moller-Maersk has started testing a blend of Brazilian ethanol with methanol and marine diesel for its ship engines in line with its goal to decarbonize ocean container transport.
“This is the first time ethanol is being burned in a two-stroke engine that’s four stories tall – it’s a completely different scale of research and level of concern,” Danilo Veras, vice president of Regulatory Policies at Maersk Latam, is quoted in a Reuters report.
The blend known as “bunker” is seen to reduce the shipping industry’s carbon footprint.
Danish firm Maersk, which traces its roots to maritime cargo services, aims to become the “Global Integrator” within a decarbonized international supply chain for sustainable trade.
It has set a target of achieving net zero by 2040 across all its businesses.
READ: Maersk signs green methanol deal, largest of its kind for shipping
Veras said the company chose the Brazilian ethanol for the test because it has a relatively low impact for deforestation as the supply comes from existing production areas.
Various Brazilian media outlets reported that if the biofuel tests are successful, it could open up a demand for 50 billion liters of clean energy source for the shipping sector.
Maersk is expected to complete the tests in methanol-powered vessels by October 23, followed by bunker fuel testing.
As of 2024, Maersk added seven new large, dual-fuel vessels capable of running on green methanol to its fleet plus a Maersk Halifax, the first retrofitted dual-fuel methanol container vessel.
Maersk’s green transition program aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero Framework.
READ: Shipping emissions pact fails to get approval, talks to resume next year
