Brazil's Port of Santos has launched regular ethanol bunkering operations, becoming the first port in Latin America to offer the alternative marine fuel on a commercial basis.

CMA CGM, Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Copersucar, marine fuel supplier Bunker One and the Santos Port Authority (APS) jointly announced the initiative, marking a shift from initial trials to an established commercial supply arrangement.

The first bunkering operation under the new programme took place on October 19, involving CMA CGM's 13,000-TEU containership CMA CGM Iron. Further ethanol deliveries to CMA CGM vessels are planned before the end of 2026.

The port completed its first bioethanol bunkering trial in July, demonstrating the feasibility of using the fuel in deep-sea shipping. The latest development represents the next step towards regular commercial supply.

The CMA CGM Iron is equipped with an Everllence-B&W G95ME-C10.5-LGIM tri-fuel engine, certified to operate on ethanol. The vessel is among the first containerships capable of using conventional marine fuels, methanol and ethanol.

The initiative builds on Brazil's established sugarcane ethanol industry and supporting logistics infrastructure. Ethanol produced by mills affiliated with Copersucar is transported to Santos by Evolua Etanol, stored at AGEO Terminais and subsequently supplied to vessels by Bunker One at the Santos Brasil terminal.

Given ethanol's low flash point and associated handling requirements, Bunker One developed dedicated bunkering procedures following several months of technical studies and specialised crew training.

Giovani Grassi, CEO of CMA CGM Brazil, said the transition from the initial trial in July to regular operations demonstrates that ethanol can be safely and reliably incorporated into commercial maritime operations at scale.

The growing fleet of methanol-capable vessels could also create opportunities for ethanol as an alternative marine fuel. Citing DNV data, the project partners noted that 159 vessels equipped with methanol-capable engines are already operating worldwide, with more than 450 additional vessels expected to be delivered by 2030.

As methanol and ethanol share certain fuel-handling and engine technologies, some methanol-capable vessels could potentially operate on ethanol, subject to appropriate technical modifications and certification.

The development follows another major milestone in Singapore, which completed its first ethanol bunkering operation in October. The Maersk containership Maersk Halifax received approximately 5,000 tonnes of ISCC-certified bioethanol, marking the world's largest single ethanol bunkering operation to date.

From Singapore's large-scale bunkering operation to the establishment of regular commercial supply at Santos, ethanol is gaining momentum as a potential alternative marine fuel.

However, wider adoption will depend on fuel economics, engine compatibility, supply chain development and the establishment of appropriate bunkering safety standards.