Maersk completes first U.S. ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel
A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has successfully completed the bunkering of Tangier Maersk, a dual-fuel alcohol-enabled container vessel, with ethanol produced from U.S. corn.
The operation marked the first commercial ship-to-ship ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States, supporting Maersk’s efforts to evaluate multiple fuel pathways for the future of maritime transport.
The trial provided practical insights into the operational, infrastructure, sourcing and supply chain requirements associated with ethanol as a marine fuel. While ethanol benefits from an established production base, existing infrastructure and compatibility with alcohol-enabled vessels, the development of scalable fuel pathways will also depend on availability, regulatory frameworks and operational readiness across the maritime value chain.
"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."
- Ditlev Blicher, Maersk Regional President for North America
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.
- 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