Ethanol blend powers Rotterdam feeder shipping

The container ship Eco Levant, operated by X-Press Feeders, was supplied with ethanol and methanol in Rotterdam using a single inland bunker vessel under controlled operational conditions.

“Maritime fuels continue to evolve,” said Shivendu Gadkar, head of fleet efficiency and performance at X-Press Feeders.

“At X-Press Feeders, we believe it’s essential to continue to evaluate workable solutions and develop them further — solutions that contribute to reducing our fleet’s emissions.”

Growing momentum

This project highlights growing momentum behind ethanol bunkering, alternative fuels and low-carbon port infrastructure as the maritime sector seeks practical pathways to reduce emissions.

The fuel blend used by the vessel comprised 90% ISCC EU-certified biomethanol and 10% ISCC EU-certified second-generation ethanol.

While methanol bunkering is already established in Rotterdam, the operation represented the first time ethanol had been bunkered to a sea-going vessel in the port.

Tankmatch supplied both fuels using its bunker barge MTS Experience, with the fuels delivered separately before being blended onboard the receiving vessel.

METHANAVE, which supported the project, said the operation demonstrated how collaboration across the supply chain can accelerate adoption of alternative fuels.

The Port of Rotterdam said the successful ethanol bunkering operation reinforces the port’s ambition to become a leading global bunker hub for sustainable fuels.

Rotterdam currently handles around ten million tonnes of bunkered fuel annually and continues investing in infrastructure supporting renewable and low-carbon marine fuels.

Back in October 2025, it teamed up with OCI Global and bunkering specialist Victrol to develop a refrigerated clean ammonia bunkering supply chain across the Netherlands and Belgium.

Under the memorandum of understanding, OCI’s subsidiary, OCI Ammonia Distribution, will lead the sourcing and import of blue and green ammonia from major global hubs including the US, Middle East, North Africa and Asia.