X-Press Feeders and Methanave have conducted an operational trial of an ethanol-methanol blended marine fuel aboard the container vessel Eco Levant in the Port of Rotterdam.

The trial involved the bunkering of a marine fuel blend consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% methanol under controlled operating conditions. The initiative forms part of X-Press Feeders' ongoing efforts to explore and evaluate low-emission fuel solutions that can support fuel flexibility and the decarbonisation of shipping.

Methanave served as the independent lead coordinator for the project, overseeing fuel sourcing coordination, regulatory alignment, operational execution, and supervision of the onboard trial.

Shivendu Gadkar, head of fleet efficiency and performance at X-Press Feeders, commented: "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.

"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."

Morten Jacobsen of Methanave remarked: "This project demonstrates the flexibility of alcohol fuels in maritime applications and shows how collaboration across the value chain can accelerate implementation."

Sylvain Zurcher, also of Methanave, added: "Ethanol and methanol each have strong decarbonisation potential, and blending strategies may create additional operational and commercial pathways for shipowners."

Jacobsen and Zurcher are also co-founders of the Global Ethanol Association.

The trial enabled participating stakeholders to assess bunkering procedures, fuel handling processes, and onboard operational performance associated with blended alcohol fuels under commercial operating conditions. Insights from the project are expected to contribute to industry understanding of future marine fuel flexibility and deployment strategies.

X-Press Feeders, founded in Singapore in 1972, operates a fleet of more than 100 vessels, calling at more than 180 ports worldwide. The company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and plans to operate containerships powered by green methanol.

Methanave is a Swiss-based specialist in the maritime energy transition, delivering low-carbon fuel solutions through integrated independent brokerage activities. The company acts as an independent broker and market facilitator of low-carbon fuels, including renewable methanol and ethanol. Methanave is a member of the ISCC Association.