Launch of the Maritime Ethanol & Methanol Alliance (MEMA)
- shawndass
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Singapore, 13 October 2025
The Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF) has officially launched the Maritime Ethanol & Methanol Alliance (MEMA), a new global platform to coordinate and
accelerate the adoption of ethanol and methanol as low-carbon marine fuels.
Anchored in Singapore, MEMA brings together shipowners, fuel producers, engine manufacturers, regulators, ports, and class societies to foster a shared framework for safe handling, fuel specification alignment, and lifecycle carbon reduction across the maritime value chain.
Ethanol and Methanol: Proven Marine Fuels, Not Future Concepts
The momentum for low-carbon liquid fuels in shipping is rapidly building.
Everllence recently confirmed the successful operation of the world’s first ethanol-fuelled two-stroke marine engine. Read more here.
WinGD has announced plans to introduce its first ethanol-fuelled two stroke engine by 2026. Read more here.
Maersk has conducted operational trials using a blend of e-methanol and ethanol aboard Laura Maersk to assess performance, ignition, and emissions behavior. Read more here.
These real-world developments demonstrate that ethanol and methanol are already viable today, providing practical and scalable pathways to maritime decarbonization.
MEMA was created to connect these advancements under one coordinated platform, linking technology validation, policy frameworks, and fuel standardization.
What MEMA Aims to Achieve
MEMA’s purpose is to unify the growing ethanol and methanol ecosystem through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. Its key objectives include:
Supporting international fuel standards and safety frameworks through coordination with IMO and ISO processes.
Facilitating dialogue between policymakers, shipowners, and producers to align incentives and technical readiness.
Encouraging transparent lifecycle assessment (LCA) and specification development for both fuels.
Driving training, awareness, and product stewardship for safe handling and bunkering.
“Decarbonizing shipping demands a portfolio of practical, scalable solutions,” said Clarence Woo, Managing Director of GCGF. “Ethanol and methanol are among the few liquid fuels that can leverage existing infrastructure while delivering measurable reductions in carbon intensity. MEMA’s role is to provide the structure, standards, and collective voice to accelerate that transition globally.”
“MEMA will bridge the technical and policy communities to ensure readiness — from engine trials and fuel quality protocols to crew training and bunkering practices,” added Chris Chatterton, Maritime Advisor to GCGF. “Our goal is to help the sector move from isolated pilots to coordinated, scalable deployment.”
Read the Official Press Release:
“GCGF Launches the Maritime Ethanol & Methanol Alliance (MEMA)”
Learn More About MEMA:
Contact mema@green-fuels.org to learn how your organization can participate.