More ethanol fuel trials to start on Laura Mærsk

Maersk continues to explore options to diversify its low-emission fuel portfolio by testing ethanol in a dual-fuel methanol engine. Building on a successful initial trial, the company will now blend 50% ethanol with 50% methanol in a test onboard the vessel Laura Mærsk.

The first trial, conducted in October and November, involved a 10% ethanol / 90% e-methanol blend and confirmed that ethanol can be safely and effectively integrated into the fuel mix. The test underscores the potential to create greater optionality for Maersk’s dual-fuel methanol fleet, essentially enabling dual fuel alcohol vessels.

“At Maersk, we believe multiple fuel pathways are essential for the shipping industry to meet its climate ambitions,” said Emma Mazhari, Head of Energy Markets at Maersk. “That means consciously exploring different options and technologies.”

Laura Mærsk (pictured), the world’s first dual-fuel container vessel operating on methanol, was designed for methanol as the alternative fuel. Because ethanol and methanol are both alcohols, they share similar properties. The initial trial tested whether an E10 blend would ignite and burn as efficiently as pure methanol while maintaining comparable lubricity and corrosiveness.

The ethanol applied for the tests is so-called anhydrous ethanol, the same type of ethanol currently applied for blending into gasoline in several countries around the globe.

The results confirm that ethanol can be blended with methanol without compromising engine performance, paving the way for higher ethanol blends. Beyond the upcoming E50 test, Maersk plans to conduct a trial using 100% ethanol.

“Ethanol has a proven track record with an established market and existing infrastructure and offers an additional pathway for decarbonisation, said Emma Mazhari. “By gradually increasing ethanol content, we gain valuable insights into engine performance and combustion impacts, informing fuel sourcing potential.”