Maersk completes 100% ethanol trials

Danish shipping firm A.P. Moller–Maersk tested 100% ethanol (E100) on one of its methanol dual-fuel containerships in the first quarter.

IMAGE: The Laura Maersk docked at European Energy's Kasso plant. X of @Maersk

This follows successful tests of 10% ethanol (E10) blended with 90% e-methanol, and 50% ethanol (E50) blended with 50% methanol on the Laura Maersk, Maersk said in its first quarter report.

Ethanol and methanol are both alcohols and share similar chemical traits, but they do not behave identically as fuels. Ethanol carries roughly a third more energy per kilogram than methanol, ignites more easily, burns slightly slower and produces a hotter flame.

In practical terms, that means engine settings such as fuel injection, ignition timing and operating temperature need to be evaluated. A methanol-capable engine cannot simply switch to ethanol without ensuring that the existing fuel-handling equipment can accommodate it.

The vessel trials tested ignition quality, combustion characteristics, corrosion risk and lubricity. Results confirmed that ethanol can be used in methanol dual-fuel engines “without compromising engine performance,” Maersk said.

“…successful trial using 100% ethanol underscores the potential to create greater optionality for Maersk’s dual-fuel methanol fleet,” the company added.

Maersk currently has 22 methanol dual-fuel vessels in operation and another four on order for delivery towards 2027.

Its current fuel mix includes biofuels and bio- and e-methanol, and will expand to include liquefied biomethane and LNG from next year, it confirmed.

By Konica Bhatt

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online