X-Press Feeders, METHANAVE complete first ethanol-methanol bunkering op in Rotterdam

Singapore-based global maritime container shipping company X-Press Feeders and Swiss-based METHANAVE on Saturday (23 May) said they have successfully conducted an operational trial involving an ethanol-methanol blended marine fuel aboard the container vessel Eco Levant in the Port of Rotterdam.

The trial involved the delivery and 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 practical low-emission fuel solutions that can support greater fuel flexibility and the long-term 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, ensuring alignment across technical, operational, regulatory, and logistical stakeholders.

Shivendu Gadkar, Head of Fleet Efficiency and Performance at X-Press Feeders, said “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.”

Sylvain Zurcher, Managing Director of METHANAVE, said: “Ethanol and methanol each have strong decarbonisation potential, and blending strategies may create additional operational and commercial pathways for shipowners.”

Zurcher is also a co-founder of the Global Ethanol Association.

The Eco Levant 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 broader industry understanding of future marine fuel flexibility and deployment strategies.

Photo credit: X-Press Feeders
Published: 25 May, 2026