A.P. Moller – Maersk has announced the completion of a pioneering ship-to-ship (STS) commercial bunkering operation in the United States. Their dual-fuel container vessel, the *Tangier Maersk*, was refueled with corn ethanol produced in the U.S. This event represents the first time a deep-sea container vessel has undergone an STS ethanol bunkering in the country.
The biofuel, supplied by South Dakota-based producer POET, was delivered in Houston, a major global marine fuel hub. Kirby Corporation provided support for the logistics and transportation of the fuel during the operation, with the Port of Houston facilitating essential coordination.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development signals a growing trend towards alternative marine fuels. The successful bunkering of ethanol in a key U.S. port like Houston could lead to increased availability and adoption of such fuels, potentially impacting vessel schedules, routing decisions, and overall supply chain emissions strategies. Forwarders should monitor the expansion of alternative fuel infrastructure as it may influence carrier service offerings and green shipping options, affecting long-term contract negotiations and carbon footprint reporting.
