Seatrade-Maritime: X-Press Feeders trials ethanol-methanol fuel blend

Published by Seatrade-Maritime

X-Press Feeders has trialled an ethanol-methanol fuel blend on the container vessel Eco-Levant.

The trial with Methanave as independent lead coordinator involved the delivery and bunkering of a marine fuel blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% methanol under controlled operating conditions in the Port of Rotterdam. 

Shivendu Gadkar, Head of Fleet Efficiency and Performance at X-Press Feeders, said “Maritime fuel pathways are continuing to evolve. At X-Press Feeders, we believe it is essential to continue evaluating and advancing viable solutions that can support the long-term decarbonisation of our fleet.”

X-Press Feeders was one of the pioneers of using methanol as a marine fuel in the container sector.

“Over the past year, we have assessed the ethanol pathway and identified a certified green fuel that complies with recognised sustainability standards. Trials such as this allow us to better understand how different low-emission fuels can support operational and environmental objectives as the industry transitions towards more sustainable shipping,” Gadkar added.

Methanave Founder and Managing Director, Sylvain Zurcher added, “Ethanol and methanol each have strong decarbonization potential, and blending strategies may create additional operational and commercial pathways for shipowners.”