HOUSTON, TX – Maersk has completed what it calls the first U.S. bunkering of a container vessel with 100% domestically produced corn ethanol, opening a potential new demand outlet for U.S. ethanol and corn.
The September 28 fueling involved the Tangier Maersk, a dual-fuel alcohol-enabled container ship, at the Port of Houston. Ocean carriers are testing ethanol as an alternative to methanol as they seek more fuel flexibility.
A National Laboratory of the Rockies evaluation found ethanol can substitute for methanol in large dual-fuel marine engines with little or no modification. The report also cited ethanol’s higher energy content as an advantage.
The report says 112 to 120 methanol-capable vessels are already operating worldwide, including 38 delivered in 2026, with another 300 to 350 vessels on order. Methanol supplies that meet greenhouse-gas standards remain limited.
Future agricultural demand will depend on whether U.S. ports develop ethanol bunkering infrastructure and whether shipping companies adopt the fuel at scale. If they do, marine use could create another outlet for U.S. ethanol production.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Marine shipping could become another corn demand outlet if ethanol bunkering infrastructure expands and carriers adopt the fuel.