- New Mix Combines E-Methanol with 10% Ethanol.
- Tests Aim to Evaluate Ignition, Combustion, and Emission Performance.
- Maersk Seeks to Expand Fuel Availability for Dual-Fuel Fleet.
On Thursday, October 9, Maersk announced that it’s testing a new fuel blend on its dual-fuel containership, the Laura Maersk, which holds the title of the world’s first container vessel to operate on methanol. This innovative mix, known as E10, combines e-methanol with 10% ethanol, reports Manifold Times.
Assessing Ethanol’s Role in Future Fuel Mix
“The goal is to understand how ethanol performs in our dual-fuel engines and whether it can become part of our future fuel mix. We’re testing key parameters like ignition, combustion, lubricity, and emissions,” Maersk said in a social media post.
Expanding Fuel Sourcing and Flexibility
Peter Normark Sorensen, Maersk’s Senior Fuel Transition Manager, shared that the company understands that achieving its climate goals means exploring various fuel options.
“The reason for blending it is to enlarge the availability and the sourcing pool for these dual-fuel vessels. But we have a number of things we would like to test out,” Sorensen explained. “For instance, are there any differences between the standard methanol and the E10 in, say, the ignition quality? In the way the fuels are burning? Are there any differences or similarities of the corrosion on the lubricity? And, not the least, are the emissions different between the two fuels?”
Testing Phase and Next Steps
The E10 fuel blend delivered to the Laura Maersk is set to be used over the next month to a month and a half. Following this testing period, Maersk will evaluate the outcomes and determine the next steps for further testing.
Industry Applauds Maersk’s Initiative
Chris Chatterton, a Maritime Advisor at the Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF), praised Maersk for its forward-thinking approach.
“Methanol dual-fuel vessels that can run on methanol and now optionally on ethanol, which is widely available and competitively priced, help de-risk the energy transition, improve flexibility, and accelerate the adoption of lower-carbon fuels,” he said. “Thank you for pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks for sustainable shipping and bunkering.”
Ethanol’s Place in the Alternative Fuel Mix
In an exclusive chat with Manifold Times, Chatterton highlighted the crucial role of ethanol in the changing landscape of bunker fuels, arguing that it should be recognised alongside other alternative marine fuels.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Manifold Times
