US Ethanol Could Power Global Methanol-Capable Fleet, New Study Finds

## US Ethanol Positioned as Viable Marine Biofuel, Study Concludes The United States could play a pivotal role in decarbonising global shipping through its substantial ethanol production surplus, according to a new study published by MEMA, a platform of the Global Centre for Green Fuels. The research finds that approximately 2 billion gallons of spare ethanol production capacity exists annually in the US — a volume the study suggests is sufficient to support the bunkering needs of the world's growing methanol-capable vessel fleet. Critically, the study highlights that ethanol does not require significant new infrastructure investment to enter the marine fuel supply chain. Vessels already equipped with methanol-capable engines can, in many cases, run on ethanol with minimal or no modification, and existing methanol bunkering infrastructure can be adapted to handle ethanol supply and transfer operations. ### Why This Matters for Shipping Decarbonisation As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens its greenhouse gas reduction targets — aiming for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050 — the industry faces mounting pressure to identify scalable, commercially viable alternative fuels. Methanol has emerged as one of the leading transitional options, with a growing orderbook of dual-fuel methanol vessels from major carriers including Maersk and others. Ethanol, as a bio-derived fuel, offers a potentially lower lifecycle carbon intensity compared to conventional marine fuels and, according to the MEMA study, could slot into the existing methanol supply ecosystem with relative ease. This compatibility reduces one of the key barriers to alternative fuel adoption: the cost and complexity of new bunkering infrastructure. ### US Supply Chain Advantage The United States is the world's largest ethanol producer, with production predominantly derived from corn. The study's finding of 2 billion gallons in spare annual capacity underscores the country's potential to become a significant exporter of marine biofuel, supporting both domestic energy interests and international shipping decarbonisation goals. The report positions the US as well-placed to respond to rising maritime biofuel demand without requiring major upstream investment, provided regulatory frameworks and fuel standards are aligned to facilitate ethanol's use as a recognised marine fuel. The findings are likely to attract attention from shipowners, fuel suppliers, and policymakers as the industry navigates the complex transition away from heavy fuel oil and conventional marine distillates. Further engagement from classification societies and engine manufacturers on formal ethanol fuel approvals will be a key next step in translating the study's conclusions into commercial reality.