Maersk has completed the first bunkering of a vessel with 100% bioethanol in the US, using fuel supplied by American producer POET.
The trial took place in Houston and marks another step in Maersk’s testing of bioethanol across its dual-fuel fleet.
POET, which describes itself as the world’s largest bioethanol producer, supplied the plant-based fuel. Kirby Corporation supported the marine bunkering operation and fuel transportation, while the Port of Houston provided port coordination and infrastructure. The US Coast Guard supported the regulatory requirements needed for the operation.
“Bioethanol has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the future energy mix for shipping,” said Emma Mazhari, Maersk’s vice president energy markets.
She added that bioethanol can provide “another scalable, lower-emission fuel option” while giving the industry greater flexibility as it moves towards lower-carbon fuels.
POET produces more than 3bn gallons of bioethanol annually across 35 bioprocessing facilities and argues that existing production, transport and distribution infrastructure could support wider use in shipping.
Jeff Broin, POET’s founder and CEO, said the Houston trial demonstrated the potential to connect US agricultural production directly with marine fuel demand.
“Seeing American-made bioethanol move from the farm to a container ship in one of the nation’s largest ports is an exciting moment for our industry,” Broin said.
The company said the trial showed bioethanol can move beyond its traditional road-fuel role into large-scale maritime applications.
source: splash247.com
