Classification society DNV on Thursday (17 September) published a Maritime Impact article, examining why interest in ethanol is growing, drawing on insights from cargo owners, engine manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders. The article explores recent vessel projects, technology developments, and the factors that will influence future uptake, including economics, fuel availability, sustainability, and regulation: For years, ethanol sat on the periphery of the maritime fuel debate. Whilst the orderbook shows that LNG and, more recently, methanol have seen growing uptake in the global fleet, ethanol has remained largely confined to regional discussions despite being the world’s most widely produced liquid biofuel. That picture is beginning to change. Why interest is growing in ethanol as marine fuel Part of ethanol’s appeal is its maturity outside shipping. Decades of use in road transport have created extensive production capacity, established supply chains, and well-developed fuel logistics. At the same time, increasing focus on lifecycle emissions and regulations such as FuelEU Maritime are directing attention towards fuels capable of delivering meaningful well-to-wake greenhouse gas reductions. However, production scale and emissions performance alone do not explain the growing interest. Ethanol is entering the maritime conversation at a time when the industry is searching for practical pathways that can support decarbonization without locking companies into a single long-term fuel choice. Why cargo owners are investing in ethanol-powered ships Among those exploring ethanol’s potential is VALE, a mining company and cargo owner which sees the fuel as part of its broader decarbonization strategy. That commitment is already translating into projects. VALE has partnered with Shandong Shipping to build at least two Guaibamax vessels equipped with rotor sails and powered by ethanol, with delivery expected in 2029, and is evaluating the conversion of methanol-fuel