Maersk Completes First U.S. Ethanol Bunkering of Deep-sea Container Vessel

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) on 28 September announced the successful bunkering of Tangier Maersk, a dual-fuel alcohol-enabled container vessel, using U.S.-produced corn ethanol.

The operation marked the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States. The milestone is part of Maersk’s broader efforts to explore multiple potential fuel pathways for the future of shipping.

This operation provided valuable insight into the operational, infrastructure, sourcing and supply chain considerations for using ethanol as a marine fuel. While ethanol benefits from an established production base, existing infrastructure and compatibility with alcohol-enabled vessel technology, scalable future fuel pathways will also depend on fuel availability, regulation and operational readiness across the maritime value chain.

Commenting on the development, Ditlev Blicher, Maersk Regional President for North America, said, “Achieving lower-emission logistics requires turning new technologies into practical, scalable solutions, This bunkering operation aboard Tangier Maersk provides valuable real-world experience with alternative fuels in commercial shipping. The insights gained will help drive the development of more sustainable supply chains.”

The operation builds on previous ethanol trials aboard Laura Maersk and Antonia Maersk and reflects Maersk’s continued commitment to exploring and advancing credible pathways to drive progress within the shipping industry’s energy transition.

Fast Facts

Vessel: Tangier Maersk

Vessel type: Dual-fuel alcohol-enabled container vessel

Fuel used: 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol

Operation: Commercial ethanol bunkering

Location: United States

Significance: First ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States

Purpose: Support Maersk’s commitment to driving progress within the energy transition by exploring multiple future fuel pathways