A CMA CGM container ship bunkering bioethanol at Port of Santos. Image Credit: CMA CGM

Ethanol is gaining attention in shipping as the industry explores multiple fuel options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to DNV.

The fuel shares some characteristics with methanol, allowing the industry to build on existing technology and operational experience, it said in a new maritime impact article published last week.

“Ethanol shares some characteristics with methanol and may offer additional flexibility for certain vessel applications over time,” Mario Barbosa, General Manager Latin America at Wärtsilä, said.

However, ethanol still requires its own technical assessment, including engine parameters, fuel injection, fuel systems and safety requirements.

The potential for greater fuel flexibility is already being reflected in vessel projects.

Vale has partnered with Shandong Shipping to build at least two Guaibamax vessels designed to run on ethanol, with delivery expected in 2029.

Vale is also evaluating the conversion of methanol-fuelled vessels into tri-fuel ships capable of using methanol, ethanol and conventional marine fuels.

“Designing and constructing new ships is the most cost-effective and integrated opportunity to incorporate technological advances in our decarbonization program,” Rodrigo Bermelho, Shipping Director at Vale, said.

Earlier this month, engine maker Everllence announced the completion of testing of ethanol-capable marine engine for Vale.

The connection between methanol and ethanol is also becoming visible in container shipping, where CMA CGM and A.P. Moller-Maersk have been testing ethanol on dual-fuel methanol container ships.

Maersk bunkered ethanol on one of its larger methanol-fuelled container ships in Barcelona in July, while Bunker One supplied bio-ethanol to a CMA CGM vessel in Brazil the same month.

DNV's Jason Stefanatos said the industry should increasingly consider the cost of reducing emissions, rather than simply the price of fuel.

“The relevant question is no longer simply the cost of the fuel but the cost of reducing emissions, whilst maintaining regulatory compliance,” he said.

For ethanol, the ability to draw on existing methanol technology and supply chains could provide another route into shipping as owners seek greater flexibility in their fuel choices.