X-Press Feeders and METHANAVE Conduct Ethanol-Methanol Bunker Trial

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday May 25, 2026

Singapore-based X-Press Feeders and Swiss maritime energy transition specialist METHANAVE have completed an operational trial involving an ethanol-methanol blended marine fuel in Rotterdam.

The trial saw the dual-fuel methanol container ship Eco Levant bunker and use a marine fuel blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% methanol under controlled operating conditions, the two firms said in an emailed joint press release on Saturday. 

The companies said the initiative forms part of efforts to evaluate low-emission fuel solutions that could support fuel flexibility and long-term shipping decarbonisation.

METHANAVE acted as lead coordinator for the project, overseeing fuel sourcing, regulatory alignment, operational execution and onboard trial supervision.

Ethanol is increasingly being seen as a potential marine fuel alongside methanol, with both fuels able to use similar storage, bunkering infrastructure and engine systems with limited modifications.

Recently, container shipping firm Maersk ran its dual-fuel methanol ship on 100% ethanol.

“Over the past year, we have assessed the ethanol pathway and identified a certified green fuel that complies with recognised sustainability standards,” Shivendu Gadkar, Head of Fleet Efficiency and Performance at X-Press Feeders, said.

The companies said the trial enabled stakeholders to assess bunkering procedures, fuel handling and onboard operational performance linked to blended alcohol fuels under commercial operating conditions.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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