Copenhagen, Denmark | December 5, 2025 – In a major step toward diversifying the global shipping industry’s low-emission fuel options, A.P. Moller – Maersk has confirmed the successful completion of its first ethanol–methanol blend (E10) trial and is now preparing to test a far more demanding fuel mix: a 50/50 ethanol–methanol blend (E50) on its dual-fuel container vessel Laura Mærsk.
The breakthrough opens a new pathway for Maersk’s rapidly expanding fleet of dual-fuel vessels, positioning ethanol as a scalable, globally available fuel candidate capable of significantly enhancing supply security for future green shipping operations.
E10 Trial Confirms Safe Integration and Strong Performance
The initial pilot test was carried out during October and November 2025 aboard the Laura Mærsk, the world’s first methanol-enabled container vessel. Engineers tested a blend of 10% anhydrous ethanol with 90% e-methanol to determine how ethanol behaves in a marine dual-fuel methanol engine.
The E10 trial assessed:
- ignition quality
- combustion stability and flame behavior
- lubricity performance
- corrosiveness
- and the resulting NOₓ emissions
A Decisive Technical Success
According to Maersk, the fuel blend ignited and burned as efficiently as pure methanol, with no degradation in engine efficiency, reliability, or safety.
Key parameters, including ignition stability, combustion efficiency, and lubricity – were validated, confirming that ethanol can be introduced into the fuel mix without compromising engine performance.
This result effectively unlocks new operational flexibility, enabling what Maersk describes as “dual-fuel alcohol vessels”—ships capable of operating on methanol, ethanol, or blends of both.
“At Maersk, we believe multiple fuel pathways are essential for the shipping industry to meet its climate ambitions. That means consciously exploring different options and technologies.” said Emma Mazhari, Head of Energy Markets at Maersk
The Next Frontier: E50 Trial Begins
Building directly on the success of E10, Maersk will now test an E50 blend (50% ethanol / 50% methanol). This represents a dramatic shift in fuel composition and will be far more technically challenging.
Although methanol (CH₃OH) and ethanol (C₂H₅OH) are both alcohols with broadly similar properties, higher ethanol content changes:
- fuel density and viscosity
- ignition delay and flame characteristics
- combustion temperature profiles
- long-term engine wear, corrosiveness, and lubrication needs
By gradually increasing ethanol content, Maersk aims to generate precise insights into:
- engine stability under higher-ethanol conditions
- changes in combustion behavior under heavy load
- impacts on fuel injection systems and cylinder components
- sustainability and supply chain implications for long-term adoption
The company has also confirmed plans to proceed to a 100% ethanol trial, marking ethanol as a serious candidate within its future green fuel portfolio.
“By gradually increasing ethanol content, we gain valuable insights into engine performance and combustion impacts, informing fuel sourcing potential.” said Emma Mazhari
Why Ethanol? Global Scalability Meets Decarbonisation Needs
Maersk’s accelerated exploration of ethanol is tied to major strategic advantages related to supply availability and existing infrastructure.
A Mature Global Commodity With Massive Production Capacity
The tests use anhydrous ethanol, the same grade widely used for gasoline blending worldwide. This enables Maersk to tap into an established, scaled global market.
- The United States and Brazil account for 80% of global ethanol production.
- As road transport electrifies, large ethanol producers are actively seeking new industrial consumers, making maritime shipping an ideal growth outlet.
- Ethanol distribution, storage, and certification systems are already mature.
This widespread availability offers Maersk fuel diversification and reduces dependence on a single green-fuel pathway such as methanol.
Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing Requirements
Ethanol is most commonly produced from biomass such as corn or sugar cane, meaning Maersk must ensure its use aligns with robust sustainability standards.
Maersk’s current review includes:
- lifecycle GHG emissions assessments
- full traceability and certification (e.g., ISCC, RSB)
- confirmation that ethanol supply does not cause land conversion or deforestation
- avoidance of feedstocks that compete with food and feed production
- responsible sourcing practices that meet the company’s climate criteria
This ensures ethanol use supports Maersk’s ambition to achieve at least 65% lifecycle GHG reduction from its transitional fuels.
Maersk also highlights the importance of collaboration with engine manufacturers and industry partners to accelerate ethanol’s readiness for future dual-fuel engines.
Part of a Larger Dual-Fuel Strategy Toward Net-Zero 2040
The upcoming E50 trial forms a key component of Maersk’s broader decarbonisation program.
To future-proof its fleet, Maersk decided in 2021 to order only vessels with dual-fuel capabilities. By the end of 2025:
- 19 dual-fuel vessels will be operating in the Maersk fleet.
- The company’s low-emission fuel portfolio already includes:
- bio- and e-methanol (the current core alternative fuel)
- biodiesel
- liquefied biomethane (Bio-LNG) from 2027
- LNG as the fossil dual-fuel alternative
These technologies are aligned with Maersk’s target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
As the E50 trials proceed aboard the Laura Mærsk, the global shipping industry is watching closely. The results could position ethanol, not just methanol – as a scalable, high-volume, low-emission fuel capable of supporting the next phase of maritime decarbonisation.
About A.P. Moller – Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics, committed to connecting and simplifying its customers’ supply chains. With operations in over 130 countries and a workforce of around 100,000 employees, Maersk is at the forefront of shipping, terminal operations, and logistics solutions.
The company is driving the transition to sustainable shipping, aiming to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 through investments in alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessels, and digital innovation with at least 65% lifecycle emissions reductions, and extensive efficiency measures such as this retrofit programme. Maersk is dedicated to shaping the future of global trade with end-to-end supply chain solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability.
Source: Maersk