As green methanol remains in short supply, Maersk is exploring ethanol as a practical fuel alternative for its newer vessels — ships that were originally built to operate on green methanol, according to a report by Reuters, as referenced by ShippingWatch.
A Pragmatic Response to Fuel Availability
The Danish shipping giant sees ethanol not as a replacement for green methanol, but as a complementary option that could keep its methanol-capable fleet running on lower-emission fuels while the green methanol market continues to develop.
Among the vessels in focus is the Laura Maersk, a container ship specifically designed to run on green methanol — one of a growing class of next-generation vessels that Maersk has invested in as part of its broader decarbonisation strategy.
Why Ethanol Is on the Table
Green methanol production capacity has struggled to keep pace with demand from the shipping sector, creating a supply gap that operators of dual-fuel vessels are having to navigate. Ethanol, which shares some chemical and combustion characteristics with methanol, presents a viable interim option for vessels already equipped with compatible fuel systems.
According to ShippingWatch, citing Reuters, Maersk views ethanol as a supplement — filling the gap when green methanol supply falls short, rather than redirecting the company’s long-term fuel strategy.
Does This Matter to You?
The acknowledgment from one of the world’s largest container carriers that green methanol supply constraints are real — and significant enough to prompt contingency fuel planning — is a signal worth noting across maritime and bunkering circles.
For those operating or planning methanol-ready tonnage, Maersk’s approach highlights a practical challenge: vessel design and fuel availability do not always move in lockstep. The exploration of ethanol as a drop-in supplement could have implications for bunkering infrastructure planning, fuel procurement strategies, and how alternative fuel flexibility is built into newbuild specifications going forward.
It also raises broader questions about how the green shipping transition will unfold in practice — with fuel availability, not just vessel technology, likely to shape near-term outcomes.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch (citing Reuters)
