Mining firm Vale joins association to drive use to ethanol as marine fuel

The Global Ethanol Association on Thursday (11 December) welcomed Brazilian mining firm Vale as a new Founding Member with the aim of driving the use of ethanol as a marine fuel. 

“Vale is truly one step ahead of major competition, pioneering the use of ethanol in the maritime industry and setting a powerful example of how innovation and sustainability can move the sector forward,” the association said in a social media post.

“Their leadership demonstrates what is possible when vision meets action.”

“Congratulations to Vale on this important milestone and for their leading role in accelerating the energy transition across shipping. We are excited to collaborate, innovate, and scale impactful solutions together.”

Ethanol has been gaining the spotlight as a potential marine fuel with Chris Chatterton, Maritime Advisor of Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF), recently making his case on why ethanol deserves a seat at the alternative bunker fuels table. 

In October, Maersk announced testing a new mix of 90% e-methanol and 10% ethanol, called the E10, on dual-fuel containership Laura Maersk.

More recently, the Danish shipping giant said it would begin to blend 50% ethanol with 50% methanol in a test onboard the same vessel after the first trial confirmed that ethanol can be safely and effectively integrated into the fuel mix.

Related: GCGF: Why ethanol deserves a seat at the alternative bunker fuels table
Related: Maersk changes blend ratio of ethanol and methanol in next level bunker fuel trial
Related: Maersk adds ethanol to methanol in trial onboard dual-fuel containership

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 15 December, 2025