X-Press Feeders tests ethanol bunkering in Rotterdam port

This signals fuel transition in live shipping operations.

Singapore-based X-Press Feeders’ Eco Levant container ship has taken part in one of the first ethanol bunkerings for a seagoing vessel at the Port of Rotterdam, the first such operation in Rotterdam.

The vessel has since operated on a fuel blend of 90% ISCC EU-certified biomethanol and 10% ISCC EU-certified second-generation ethanol, supplied separately and blended onboard after delivery, the port said in a press release.

Tankmatch delivered the fuels using its bunker barge MTS Experience.

Whilst methanol bunkering is already established in the Netherlands-based port, ethanol bunkering remains at an early stage of adoption in maritime operations.

The fuels were supplied under controlled operational conditions, with the port authority stating that the operation forms part of its work on alternative fuels in shipping.

It added that the development supports its aim to enable bunkering of multiple alternative fuels, with the port also having conducted an ammonia bunkering pilot.

X-Press Feeders operates more than 100 vessels and serves over 180 ports, including Singapore.