Maersk is exploring ways to diversify its low-emission fuel portfolio by testing ethanol in a dual-fuel methanol engine aboard the container vessel Laura Mærsk.
Following a successful initial trial, the company is now blending 50% ethanol with 50% methanol in upcoming tests. The first trial, conducted in October and November, used a 10% ethanol and 90% e-methanol blend, confirming that ethanol can be safely and effectively integrated into the fuel mix without compromising engine performance.
Laura Mærsk, the world’s first dual-fuel container vessel designed to operate on methanol, provides an ideal platform for the experiments. As both ethanol and methanol are alcohols with similar chemical properties, the initial trial assessed whether an E10 blend would ignite and burn as efficiently as pure methanol while maintaining comparable lubricity and corrosiveness.
The results indicate that ethanol can be safely combined with methanol, opening the door to higher ethanol blends in dual-fuel operations. The upcoming tests will include a 50/50 ethanol-methanol mix, with plans for a full trial using 100% ethanol in the future.
Maersk said the trials highlight the potential for greater fuel flexibility across its dual-fuel methanol fleet, effectively enabling vessels to operate as dual-fuel alcohol ships. The company is continuing to explore alternative fuels as part of its broader strategy to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable shipping sector.
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