New Markets for Ethanol: Maritime Fuel

A new report from the National Library of the Rockies (NLR), Evaluation of Ethanol Use in Maritime Shipping, examines the technical and environmental impacts of using ethanol as a fuel for ships. The report finds that ethanol could be a viable marine fuel and could take advantage of infrastructure being developed for methanol-powered ships.

One of the key findings within the report states that large dual-fuel methanol engines can operate on ethanol without modifications. Since ethanol and methanol have similar properties, existing methanol engines, storage, and bunkering could support ethanol as the next marine fuel.

Dual-fuel engines are designed to operate on two different fuels, giving ships flexibility to use conventional marine fuel or an alternative fuel such as methanol or ethanol.

According to NLR, ethanol has approximately 35% more energy content than methanol, along with lower toxicity and corrosivity. Ethanol breaks down more quickly in the environment if spilled. It also notes that ethanol is already produced on a commercial scale, providing an existing supply base.

NLR estimates that approximately 112 methanol dual-fuel ships currently in operation could consume about 2 billion gallons of ethanol annually if they operated full-time on ethanol. The report also notes that several trial voyages using ethanol took place in late 2025 and 2026, demonstrating the fuel’s potential as a marine fuel.

Illinois produces approximately 1.79 billion gallons of ethanol each year.

The research shows the opportunity for ethanol in maritime shipping, but there are still areas that need development, including infrastructure to supply ethanol at major U.S. and international ports.

IL Corn will continue to follow the development of ethanol as a marine fuel as the industry conducts testing and feasibility studies that could create additional demand for corn while providing the shipping industry with another low-carbon fuel option.