Maersk completes first U.S. commercial ethanol bunkering for deep-sea vessel

Maersk has completed the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering of a deep-sea container vessel in the United States. The operation involved the Tangier Maersk, a dual-fuel, alcohol-enabled vessel, which received 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol in Houston.

The project involved several key industry participants: POET supplied the bioethanol, Kirby Corporation assisted with fuel transportation and bunkering, and the Port of Houston provided necessary infrastructure and coordination. The U.S. Coast Guard also supported the regulatory requirements for the operation.

This milestone follows previous ethanol trials conducted by Maersk on the Laura Maersk and Antonia Maersk. The company noted that while the operation demonstrates the ability to connect U.S. ethanol production with ocean shipping, widespread deployment will depend on future fuel availability, regulatory frameworks, and operational readiness across the maritime value chain.