Maersk completes world’s largest ethanol bunkering in Singapore

Maersk has completed what it describes as the world’s largest ethanol bunkering operation, supplying approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified bioethanol to Maersk Halifax in Singapore.

The operation marks the first ethanol bunkering of a retrofitted vessel in Maersk’s fleet. Maersk Halifax is the company’s first container ship to be converted to dual-fuel operation.

The bunkering was carried out in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other industry partners.

According to Maersk, the project provided operational experience involving ethanol infrastructure, sourcing, supply-chain readiness and vessel operations.

Maersk advances multi-fuel strategy

Maersk views ethanol as one of several potential fuel pathways for reducing emissions from ocean transportation.

The carrier said ethanol benefits from established production and distribution networks, global availability and compatibility with alcohol-enabled engine technologies. When produced through certified low-carbon pathways, the fuel can offer greenhouse gas reductions compared with conventional marine fuels.

“The energy transition requires us to explore and scale solutions that can deliver real-world impact. At Maersk, we continue to pursue a multi-fuel strategy because we recognise that no single fuel pathway can decarbonise global shipping on its own,” said Emma Mazhari, Head of Energy Markets at Maersk.

The Singapore operation follows earlier ethanol trials involving Laura Maersk, Antonia Maersk and Tangier Maersk.

Maersk recently completed the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States, using US-produced corn ethanol aboard Tangier Maersk.

The latest operation expands the carrier’s practical experience with ethanol while assessing the infrastructure and supply-chain requirements needed for its wider use as a marine fuel.

The post Maersk completes world’s largest ethanol bunkering in Singapore appeared first on Container News.