Corn ethanol could find a new market in marine shipping
Ethanol could become a viable fuel for ocean-going vessels and create a major new market for corn producers. This is according to a report by the National Lab of the Rockies, which assessed the technical, economic and environmental potential of ethanol for marine shipping.
Researchers estimate that the existing fleet of methanol dual-fuel vessels alone could consume around 2 bln gallons of ethanol annually under high-substitution scenarios.
Ethanol has properties similar to methanol, while offering lower emissions and lower toxicity. In the event of a spill, it dissolves quickly and accumulates less in the environment than conventional petroleum-based fuels.
Industry representatives believe that even partial adoption of ethanol in shipping could create billions of gallons of new demand and provide an additional long-term market for US corn producers.
The report notes that broader use of ethanol as a marine fuel will depend on closer cooperation between biofuel producers and shipping companies, as well as further research and practical deployment of the technology.
Read also
Egypt buys five wheat cargoes amid disruptions to Black Sea exports
Competition for corn intensifies between bioethanol and feed producers in India
Container transport via Hungary could provide an additional route for Ukrainian ag...
Scotland increases lamb exports by 22% as total meat export revenue hits record high
Olive oil prices in Italy fall nearly 50% despite declining production
Got additional questions?
We will be happy to assist!
Write to us
Our manager will contact you soon