Mærsk to Increase Ethanol Use to Reduce Dependence on China for Green Shipping
Mærsk is increasing its use of ethanol in shipping to reduce dependence on China, having tested a blend of 10% ethanol with methanol and progressing to a 50-50 mix. The initiative, while aimed at enhancing sustainability, faces criticism from NGOs regarding the use of food-derived ethanol. Additionally, Mærsk is developing a fleet for green methanol, but challenges in fuel access and recent failed negotiations at the IMO for green shipping frameworks complicate the effort.
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Mærsk aims to enhance the use of ethanol in its shipping operations to lessen reliance on China. In late 2025, Mærsk tested a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% methanol on the container ship Laura Mærsk, demonstrating that ethanol can be mixed without compromising engine performance.
The company has since shifted to a 50-50 blend and aspires to test a 100% ethanol mix. However, this initiative faces criticism from NGOs like Transport & Environment, which argue that ethanol derived from food is not sustainable.
Mærsk has developed a smaller fleet capable of sailing on green methanol, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, though access to this fuel has proven challenging. Currently, China dominates planned green methanol projects through 2030, prompting Mærsk to diversify its fuel sources to mitigate dependence on a single country. Recent negotiations at the IMO for green shipping frameworks collapsed, largely due to U.S. opposition.
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