Ethanol Surges as Viable Marine Fuel Option

A new report from the National Lab of the Rockies (NLR) highlights ethanol's potential as a marine fuel, citing its technical, economic, and environmental benefits. The report demonstrates that ethanol can be used in ocean-going vessels with no modifications to existing infrastructure.

The NLR study found that ethanol has advantages over other potential marine fuels, including lower emissions, cost competitiveness, and scalability. According to the report, a single gallon of U.S. corn ethanol emits approximately 51.4 gCO2eq/MJ, about 46% lower than petroleum fuels.

The study also notes that ethanol's molecular similarity to methanol makes it an attractive option for ships. Large dual-fuel methanol engines can operate on ethanol with no changes, and the report estimates that the currently operating methanol dual-fuel fleet alone could consume roughly two billion gallons of ethanol annually under high-substitution scenarios.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor welcomed the release of the report, stating that it 'makes it clear that the American ethanol industry could have a potentially transformative impact on the maritime sector.' Robert McCormick, NLR Senior Research Fellow and author of the report, added that ethanol has advantages that few other potential marine fuels do, including its robust compatibility with methanol infrastructure and environmental benefits.