Media Interview | Global Ethanol Summit

Quantum Commodity Intelligence Feature: Maritime Could Unlock 20 Million Tonnes of Low-Carbon Ethanol Demand

22 October 2025 | Washington D.C., United States

At the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C., Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF) Managing Director Clarence Woo was interviewed by Quantum Commodity Intelligence on the emerging role of ethanol as a marine fuel and its potential impact on global decarbonisation pathways.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Summit, Clarence highlighted that maritime shipping could unlock more than 20 million tonnes per year of new low-carbon ethanol demand, depending on policy outcomes and adoption rates. He noted that while methanol has taken an early lead in maritime discussions, ethanol is increasingly being recognised by shipowners and engine manufacturers as a complementary alcohol fuel that can help address supply availability, logistics, and cost considerations.

Clarence emphasised ethanol’s global availability, large-scale production capacity, and favourable handling and safety characteristics, noting that these attributes position ethanol well to support shipping’s transition toward multi-fuel and low-carbon operating models. Ongoing engine testing by leading OEMs, alongside real-world trials of ethanol and ethanol–methanol blends, is helping to build the technical and emissions data required to support wider adoption.

“Ethanol is available globally, easier to handle, and less toxic, making it a strong candidate alongside methanol.”  — Clarence Woo

The interview also addressed the current policy landscape, including the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision to delay the adoption of its Net-Zero Framework. 

While the delay was described as a “speed bump,” Clarence underscored the opportunity for green shipping corridors, pilot projects, and continued technical validation to demonstrate ethanol’s viability ahead of future IMO deliberations.

GCGF continues to work closely with shipowners, engine manufacturers, fuel producers, and policymakers to advance the technical, regulatory, and market foundations needed to position ethanol as a credible, scalable maritime fuel.

Key Takeaways: 

• Maritime ethanol could unlock 20+ million tonnes of demand

• Ethanol complements methanol by improving fuel availability and optionality

• OEM testing and data validation are accelerating

• Policy recognition remains the key enabler

Source: Quantum Commodity Intelligence – interview conducted at the Global Ethanol Summit, Washington D.C.

* This post is a summary prepared by the Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF) based on media coverage by Quantum Commodity Intelligence. It does not reproduce the original article in full.

📄 Read the full Quantum Commodity Intelligence interview here (behind paywall)