Ethanol as a Marine Fuel (GCGF x BV)
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New Study Explores Ethanol’s Role in Shipping’s Low-Carbon Transition
The global shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by around 2050. As the sector evaluates a range of alternative fuels, a new market study by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, commissioned by the Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF), explores the potential of ethanol as a low-carbon marine fuel.
The report, Ethanol as a Marine Fuel – Market Study, assesses ethanol across key areas including global supply availability, lifecycle emissions performance, infrastructure compatibility, engine technology readiness, safety considerations, and regulatory developments.
Why Ethanol, Why Now?
Shipping today accounts for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, and regulatory frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime and the IMO’s carbon intensity measures are accelerating the shift toward cleaner fuels. While several fuel pathways are being explored, each comes with its own trade-offs around scalability, infrastructure, and cost. Within this evolving landscape, the study highlights ethanol as a complementary and practical pathway, particularly in the near to medium term.
A Mature and Scalable Fuel Supply
One of ethanol’s key strengths lies in its established global production base.
Today, global ethanol production exceeds 100 million tonnes annually, supported by large scale industries in the United States and Brazil. This existing supply chain, from production to storage and distribution, provides a strong foundation for scaling into new sectors, including maritime.
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure and Technology
Ethanol shares many chemical and physical characteristics with methanol, which has already seen early adoption as a marine fuel.
This creates a practical advantage:
Existing methanol-ready engines and fuel systems can potentially be adapted for ethanol
Emerging bunkering infrastructure may support both fuels with limited modification
Ongoing trials and demonstrations are validating performance across different blend ratios
As highlighted in the report, major engine manufacturers including Wärtsilä, WinGD and Everllence are already advancing alcohol-fuel capable technologies, with ethanol increasingly part of that roadmap.
Environmental and Operational Considerations
Ethanol offers several characteristics relevant for maritime applications:
Low sulfur content, enabling compliance with global sulfur regulations
Potential reductions in NOₓ, SOₓ and particulate emissions
Biodegradability and lower environmental risk in the event of spills
Storage and handling at ambient conditions, unlike cryogenic fuels such as LNG or hydrogen
Regulatory Progress and Industry Momentum
Regulatory frameworks for ethanol in shipping are evolving.
The IMO has already issued interim safety guidelines for methyl and ethyl alcohol fuels, while classification societies such as Bureau Veritas have introduced rules for ethanol-fuelled vessels.
In parallel, international standardisation work is underway to establish dedicated fuel specifications for ethanol, helping to support future adoption.
Industry collaboration is also gaining traction through initiatives such as the Maritime Ethanol & Methanol Alliance (MEMA), which brings together stakeholders across the value chain to support the development of alcohol-based marine fuels.
Complementary Pathway in a Multi-Fuel Future
The study concludes that ethanol can play ani impactful role within a diversified fuel mix.
In the near term, ethanol offers a pathway for incremental emissions reduction, particularly for vessels operating in ports, coastal and short-sea environments. Over time, advances in low-carbon production pathways could further strengthen its environmental profile.
As the maritime sector continues to navigate a complex energy transition, ethanol presents a practical, scalable and increasingly viable option alongside other alternative fuels.
Download the Full Report
The full report, Ethanol as a Marine Fuel – Market Study, is available here:
