The containership Eco Levant, operated by X-Press Feeders, has completed an ethanol bunkering operation at the Port of Rotterdam, marking the first ever conducted in Rotterdam.
The bunkering operation took place on May 23, 2026, and represents an important step milestone in the efforts to advance practical low-emission fuel solutions for the shipping industry. Since the operation, the Eco Levant has been running on a blended ethanol-methanol marine fuel.
As explained, the fuel mixture consisted of 90% ISCC EU-certified biomethanol and 10% ISCC EU-certified second-generation ethanol. According to the company, the bunkering was carried out safely under controlled operational conditions.
While methanol bunkering is already an established practice, the introduction of ethanol marks a notable development. During the operation, the ethanol and methanol were supplied separately to the vessel by a single inland bunker barge. The two fuels were then blended onboard the receiving vessel.
Maritime fuels continue to evolve. At X-Press Feeders, we believe it’s essential to continue to evaluate workable solutions and develop them further — solutions that contribute to reducing our fleet’s emissions.
…said Shivendu Gadkar, Head of Fleet Efficiency and Performance at X-Press Feeders.
METHANAVE acted as lead coordinator for the project, with Morten Jacobsen noting that the project demonstrates the flexibility of alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol in shipping and illustrates how collaboration across the supply chain can accelerate implementation.
Matthijs van Doorn, commercial director at the Port of Rotterdam Authority also highlighted how this development demonstrates that Rotterdam is ready for a wide range of alternative fuels.