MMMCZCS Study Highlights Marine Ethanol Usability and Blend Potential

A research paper published by the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping has identified ethanol as a technically viable alternative fuel for the maritime sector. The study, titled Ethanol as a marine fuel: exploring its usability, assesses the practical integration of the fuel across standard vessel operations.

The analysis examines the performance of ethanol in propulsion systems configured for methanol, alongside the broader application of ethanol and marine gas oil blends. These fuel mixtures are evaluated as an immediate option to decrease emissions across the existing global merchant fleet.

The findings indicate that modifying conventional engines to burn ethanol-MGO blends could become commercially feasible under specific market conditions, offering shipowners a potential transitional pathway toward lower vessel emissions.