A New Milestone in Global Maritime Decarbonization

According to Bloomberg’s report on July 14, the container vessel CMA CGM Iron has successfully completed the world’s first commercial bunkering operation using bioethanol marine fuel for a deep-sea container ship at the Port of Santos, Brazil.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the global shipping industry’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

As one of the world’s leading container shipping companies, CMA CGM continues to explore alternative fuels and technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions across international maritime transportation.

CMA CGM Iron: The World’s First Bioethanol-Compatible Deep-Sea Container Ship

The CMA CGM Iron, delivered in 2025, is the first vessel in CMA CGM’s new generation series of twelve 13,000 TEU container ships.

Built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI), part of South Korea’s HD Hyundai Group, the vessel represents a new step forward in sustainable ship design.

Although classified as a methanol dual-fuel container ship, the vessel is actually equipped with an advanced tri-fuel engine, allowing it to operate on:

• Methanol
• Bioethanol
• Conventional marine fuel oil

The vessel features the world’s first tri-fuel engine certified for operation with bioethanol:

Everllence-B&W G95ME-C10.5-LGIM

This technology provides greater flexibility in fuel selection and supports the shipping industry’s long-term transition toward low-carbon and renewable energy sources.

Bioethanol Fuel: A New Option for Sustainable Shipping

CMA CGM stated that this pioneering bunkering operation represents an important milestone in the company’s efforts toward maritime decarbonization.

Bunker One, a leading global marine fuel trading company involved in the operation, highlighted that:

• Approximately 70 vessels worldwide are currently capable of using methanol-compatible fuels, including bioethanol solutions.
• Around 400 additional alternative-fuel vessels are expected to be delivered in the coming years.

Following the successful bunkering operation, the CMA CGM Iron will continue its voyage through:

• Sri Lanka
• Singapore
• China

demonstrating the practical application of renewable marine fuels on long-distance ocean routes.

CMA CGM Expands Bio-LNG Applications

In addition to bioethanol, CMA CGM is also advancing the use of other sustainable marine fuels.

Another CMA CGM container vessel, CMA CGM Notre Dame, recently completed its first bunkering operation using 100% Bio-LNG at the Port of Rotterdam.

This project represents one of the largest Bio-LNG bunkering operations currently completed worldwide.

What Is Bio-LNG?

Bio-LNG is produced by liquefying biomethane, a renewable gas generated from organic materials.

Its chemical composition is very similar to conventional LNG, which means vessels using LNG propulsion systems can generally adopt Bio-LNG without major modifications to:

• Engine systems
• Fuel storage equipment
• Fuel supply infrastructure

This compatibility makes Bio-LNG one of the most practical transitional fuels for reducing emissions in maritime transportation.

The Future of Green Marine Fuels

Beyond biofuels, the shipping industry is also exploring innovative solutions such as e-methane.

E-methane is produced through a synthetic process using:

• Renewable electricity
• Green hydrogen
• Captured CO₂

By combining renewable energy with carbon capture technology, e-methane provides another potential pathway toward carbon-neutral shipping.

Green Shipping Will Shape the Future of Global Logistics

With more alternative-fuel vessels entering operation and global green fuel supply networks continuing to develop, renewable marine fuels are expected to become an increasingly important part of the shipping industry’s decarbonization strategy.

For global importers, exporters, and supply chain partners, the transition toward sustainable shipping may bring:

• Lower carbon transportation options
• New environmental compliance requirements
• Changes in future ocean freight structures
• More sustainable logistics solutions

China Vast Group continues to monitor global shipping trends and technological developments, providing professional international logistics solutions while supporting customers in adapting to the evolving global supply chain environment.

About China Vast Group

China Vast Group provides comprehensive international logistics solutions, including ocean freight, global shipping services, customs clearance, DDP delivery, and supply chain management.

With professional logistics expertise and global transportation resources, we help businesses worldwide build more efficient, reliable, and sustainable supply chains.