Maersk completes first US ship-to-ship ethanol bunkering for a deep-sea container vessel
The operation builds on earlier ethanol trials aboard the Laura Maersk and Antonia Maersk.
UNITED STATES – Maersk has completed the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States, using 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol aboard the Tangier Maersk on 28 September 2026, according to a company statement.
The Tangier Maersk is a dual-fuel, alcohol-enabled container vessel. The operation forms part of Maersk’s efforts to explore multiple fuel pathways for the future of shipping, testing alternative energy sources for commercial maritime transport.
Operational insights
The bunkering provided data on the operational, infrastructure, sourcing, and supply chain considerations for using ethanol as a marine fuel.
While ethanol benefits from an established production base, existing infrastructure and compatibility with alcohol-enabled vessel technology, scalable future fuel pathways will depend on fuel availability, regulation and operational readiness throughout the maritime value chain.
“Achieving lower-emission logistics requires turning new technologies into practical, scalable solutions. This bunkering operation aboard Tangier Maersk provides valuable real-world experience with alternative fuels in commercial shipping. The insights gained will help drive the development of more sustainable supply chains,” said Ditlev Blicher, Maersk Regional President for North America.
Previous trials
The operation builds on earlier ethanol trials aboard the Laura Maersk and Antonia Maersk. These vessels, along with the Tangier Maersk, form part of Maersk’s dual-fuel fleet capable of operating on methanol and conventional fuels.
In addition, the company has ordered 26 LNG dual-fuel container ships, each with a capacity of 18,600 TEU, with deliveries expected in 2029 and 2030.
Industry context
Maersk has pursued multiple fuel pathways as the shipping industry evaluates alternatives to conventional marine fuels.
For instance, other global shipping companies such as DP World named its methanol dual-fuel vessel, DP World London, in Aarhus in 2026, while CMA CGM introduced the LNG-powered CMA CGM NOTRE DAME.
As a result, the bunkering operation adheres to DP World’s vessel naming and reflects broader industry investment in alternative-fuel capabilities.
Finally, this milestone supports Maersk’s commitment to advancing credible pathways for the shipping industry’s energy transition, as the company continues to evaluate scalable green fuel alternatives for commercial maritime operations.
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