Maersk Completes First US Ethanol Bunkering Operation

Maersk, one of the world's largest container carriers, has successfully completed its first commercial ethanol bunkering operation in the United States. The company achieved this milestone by refueling its dual-fuel vessel, Tangier Maersk, with U.S.-produced corn ethanol.

The operation marks a significant step towards reducing emissions from shipping operations and explores alternative fuel pathways for the industry's energy transition. Maersk has been experimenting with ethanol as a marine fuel since previous trials aboard Laura Maersk and Antonia Maersk.

While the use of ethanol benefits from an established production base, existing infrastructure, and compatibility with vessel technology, its scalability depends on various factors including fuel availability, regulation, and operational readiness across the maritime value chain.