Dec 08, 2025
Maersk to Test 50% Mixture of Ethanol in Marine Fuel
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Maersk announced last Friday that their test of mixing ethanol with marine fuel was a success and that they are expanding the testing with greater mixtures.
The initial test, conducted in October and November, involved a mixture of 10% ethanol in marine fuel confirming that the mixture can be used safely and effectively. Based on those results, the company is now expanding the test using a mixture of 50% ethanol abord the vessel Laura Maersk, the world's first biofuel container carrier ship. In addition to the test with E50, they also plan to conduct a test with 100% ethanol.
The Danish company, which represents 15% of the maritime transport market, is seeking net zero emissions by 2040. In 2021, the company ordered vessels with biofuel capacity and by 2025, they expect that 19 such ships will be operating in its fleet. Shipping alone accounts for about 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
The use of ethanol in maritime transport could open up a huge new market for the product in addition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that could also expand the use of biofuels in the transport sector.