Ethanol as a Marine Fuel: The Potential and the Hurdles

The Global Ethanol Association is pleased to share that our Secretary General and Co-Founder, Morten Thomas Jacobsen, will be speaking at the upcoming Future Proofing Shipping Expo on June 18th in London.

Ethanol as a Marine Fuel: The Potential and the HurdlesThe Global Ethanol Association is pleased to share that our Secretary General and Co-Founder, Morten Thomas Jacobsen, will be speaking at the upcoming Future Proofing Shipping Expo on June 18th in London. In this breakout session, Morten will explore the latest developments in ethanol fuel trials and studies within the shipping industry, and discuss the role ethanol can play in accelerating maritime decarbonization.From real-world applications to key challenges ahead, this session will provide valuable insights into how ethanol can support the transition to cleaner fuels in shipping.Learn more and register here:https://lnkd.in/dQJvWkBaWe look forward to engaging with industry leaders and stakeholders at the event.

GEA Formally Engages the European Commission

Recent exchanges between GEA and the European Commission on energy security and domestic ethanol production have been formally registered within EU institutional processes.

New Brazilian Ethanol Export Project Group Launched

GEA’s Marine Sector has established a new dedicated project group to develop ethanol export flows from Brazil to key international destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond. The Project Group will follow a structured workflow designed to map selected Brazilian ethanol producers within our network, assess optimal logistical pathways, and align export and trading opportunities with actual market demand.

GEA Submits Application for IMO Consultative Status

The Global Ethanol Association has formally submitted its application for consultative status with the International Maritime Organization. A decision by the IMO Council is expected in July 2026.

Welcome to the Global Ethanol Association, Thoen Bio Energy SA!

We are pleased to welcome Thoen Bio Energy SA as a new member of the Global Ethanol Association.

Welcome to the Global Ethanol Association, Thoen Bio Energy SA! We are pleased to welcome Thoen Bio Energy SA as a new member of the Global Ethanol Association.Part of Belleza Capital Group SA, Thoen Bio Energy SA benefits from over 30 years of experience in shipping and finance under the leadership of Mr. Aage Thoen. The group has been active across multiple shipping segments, including bulk, tankers, car carriers, and offshore.With offices in Tokyo, Oslo, and Malaga, the group currently owns and operates car carriers on long-term charters with leading operators.As the Global Ethanol Association looks to establish a Project Group focused on Brazilian ethanol exports, we see strong potential for collaboration with Thoen Bio Energy SA, particularly given their shipping expertise and strong roots with Brazilian ethanol producers.We look forward to working together to advance sustainable fuels and the global ethanol value chain.Welcome to Global Ethanol Association !

We are pleased to welcome Growth Energy as a new member of the Global Ethanol Association.

We are pleased to welcome Growth Energy as a new member of the Global Ethanol Association.

New Member Announcement We are pleased to welcome Growth Energy as a new member of the Global Ethanol Association.Growth Energy is the leading biofuel trade association in the United States, representing nearly 100 biorefineries, more than 120 associate companies, and coalition partners across the biofuels value chain. Collectively, its producer members account for over half of U.S. ethanol production, making Growth Energy a powerful voice for renewable fuels, market expansion, and clean energy policy.Their deep industry reach, policy leadership, and commitment to advancing ethanol as a critical decarbonization solution strongly align with GEA’s global mission.We look forward to collaborating with Growth Energy and its extensive membership to strengthen international cooperation, accelerate innovation, and advance sustainable fuel solutions worldwide. Learn more about Growth Energy: https://growthenergy.org/

Accelerating Ethanol-to-Jet Supply for Aviation Decarbonization

The Global Ethanol Association has launched a dedicated program under its Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative to accelerate the availability and scale-up of ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) as a compliant, bankable, and globally scalable solution for aviation decarbonization.

Accelerating Ethanol-to-Jet Supply for Aviation DecarbonizationThe Global Ethanol Association has launched a dedicated program under its Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative to accelerate the availability and scale-up of ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) as a compliant, bankable, and globally scalable solution for aviation decarbonization.Sustainable aviation fuel demand is no longer speculative. Regulatory frameworks such as ReFuelEU Aviation, national SAF blending mandates, and airline climate obligations are creating structural, mandatory demand. The critical challenge now is supply readiness, ensuring sufficient volumes of certified, cost-effective ethanol-derived aviation fuel are available on time to meet these requirements.GEA’s Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative focuses on unlocking ETJ supply, de-risking investment, and translating existing policy demand into operational and commercial reality. The program will bring together ethanol producers, technology providers, fuel suppliers, airlines, policymakers, certification bodies, and financiers to accelerate credible project pipelines, secure regulatory certainty, enable investment, and support long-term commercial deployment.Organizations engaged in advancing scalable, compliant SAF solutions and interested in helping move ethanol-to-jet from readiness to delivery are welcome to connect for further discussion.mailto: aviation@globalethanol.org

New Ethanol-Methanol Marine Blend Trial Project Group Launched

GEA’s Marine Sector has established a new dedicated project group and launched the world’s first independent real-world vessel trial in Northern Europe, with the objective of demonstrating the operational feasibility of ethanol-methanol blends under real commercial shipping conditions.

GEA Welcomes Jinan Shengquan Group as a Founding Member

The Global Ethanol Association is pleased to welcome Jinan Shengquan Group Share-Holding Co., Ltd. as a new Founding Member of our Association.

GEA Welcomes Jinan Shengquan Group as a Founding MemberThe Global Ethanol Association is pleased to welcome Jinan Shengquan Group Share-Holding Co., Ltd. as a new Founding Member of our Association.Jinan Shengquan Group is a leading innovator in bio-based materials and renewable solutions, with strong expertise across ethanol, biomass utilization, and sustainable industrial development. Their commitment to advancing low-carbon technologies and circular economy practices aligns closely with our mission to promote ethanol as a key solution for energy security, climate action, and sustainable growth.We look forward to working closely with Jinan Shengquan Group to strengthen global collaboration, accelerate innovation, and support the continued development of the ethanol industry worldwide.Please join us in welcoming Jinan Shengquan Group to the Global Ethanol Association community. Learn more about Jinan Shengquan Group by visiting their website: https://www.shengquan.com

Welcome to Global Ethanol Association, VALE!

We are proud to officially welcome Vale (Brasil) as a new Founding Member of the Global Ethanol Association.

Welcome to Global Ethanol Association, VALE! We are proud to officially welcome Vale (Brasil) as a new Founding Member of the Global Ethanol Association.VALE is truly one step ahead major competition, pioneering the use of ethanol in the maritime industry and setting a powerful example of how innovation and sustainability can move the sector forward. Their leadership demonstrates what is possible when vision meets action.Congratulations to VALE on this important milestone and for their leading role in accelerating the energy transition across shipping. We are excited to collaborate, innovate, and scale impactful solutions together.Welcome aboard VALE, the future of innovative transportation just got stronger. Learn more about VALE S.A. : https://vale.com/

Global Ethanol Association Featured in Leading Chinese Maritime Publication

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in China Ship Survey (“中国船检”), a prominent maritime industry journal under the China Classification Society (CCS). The piece features an in-depth written interview with our two co-founders, who shared insights on the global role of ethanol in decarbonizing transport, strengthening energy security, and supporting sustainable maritime solutions.

Global Ethanol Association Featured in Leading Chinese Maritime PublicationWe are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in China Ship Survey (“中国船检”), a prominent maritime industry journal under the China Classification Society (CCS). The piece features an in-depth written interview with our two co-founders, who shared insights on the global role of ethanol in decarbonizing transport, strengthening energy security, and supporting sustainable maritime solutions.We are also pleased to share that an English version of the article is available here, and is also published on their WeChat platform: https://lnkd.in/eSVUzXvCWe would like to extend our sincere thanks to the editorial team at China Ship Survey for their professionalism and their growing interest in low-carbon fuels. This exchange reflects the increasing international momentum behind sustainable ethanol and the importance of global collaboration to achieve climate and energy goals.As the demand for clean energy solutions accelerates across all sectors, including shipping, we look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with partners in China and around the world.Advancing sustainable fuel ethanol. Strengthening global partnerships.

We are thrilled to welcome Edeniq, Inc. as a new Founding Member of the Global Ethanol Association!

By joining as a Founding Member, Edeniq strengthens our collective capacity to accelerate ethanol-driven solutions across industries, from fuels to chemicals, agriculture, and more.

We are thrilled to welcome Edeniq, Inc. as a new Founding Member of the Global Ethanol Association! At GEA, our mission is to unite stakeholders across the global ethanol value chain to drive sustainable innovation, collaboration, and growth. With its leading-edge “Intellulose®” analytical technologies, recognized for fiber and cellulosic ethanol testing and widely used across the biofuels sector, Edeniq brings deep expertise and a proven track record in supporting biofuel production and certification. By joining as a Founding Member, Edeniq strengthens our collective capacity to accelerate ethanol-driven solutions across industries, from fuels to chemicals, agriculture, and more. Together, we will foster innovation, share best practices, and advocate for a sustainable, ethanol-powered future.Welcome aboard, Edeniq, we look forward to working together toward a cleaner, more sustainable global energy landscape. Learn more about Edeniq: https://edeniq.com/

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 begins on October 19th in Washington, D.C.!

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 begins on October 19th in Washington, D.C.!

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 begins on October 19th in Washington, D.C.!The event will bring together top policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and trade stakeholders to advocate for the value of U.S. ethanol in various sectors. Discussions will center on ethanol’s role in expanding global trade - stay tuned as we share more info leading up to GES25! Ethanol 101 kicks off our agenda - learn more below 💧Ethanol 101: Agriculture, Ethanol Fundamentals, and New Applications⏰ 1:00pm-3:00pm🎤 Speakers: - Doug Berven, POET - Rowena (Winnie) Torres-Ordonez, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council - Tad Hepner, Renewable Fuels Association - Morten Jacobsen, Global Ethanol AssociationWe’re looking forward to expanding global ethanol markets through innovation, renewable solutions, and trade. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gtiGjj5X.

Statement from the Global Ethanol Association after IMO MEPC/ES.2 vote delay

The decision to defer final adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI for a year, which would have established a global mechanism for pricing and regulating greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, is a reminder that time is precious. We have only one planet, and every delay makes the challenge harder.

Statement from the Global Ethanol Association after IMO MEPC/ES.2 vote delayIf the decarbonization of the shipping industry were a single voyage on calm waters, there would be no debate. But real progress is rarely smooth sailing.The decision to defer final adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI for a year, which would have established a global mechanism for pricing and regulating greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, is a reminder that time is precious. We have only one planet, and every delay makes the challenge harder.The maritime energy transition isn’t a burden, it’s a growth engine. It will mobilize trillions in investment and generate millions of new jobs worldwide, powering innovation far beyond the docks. Decarbonization isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the global economy.We continue to expect the shipping industry to lead other hard-to-abate sectors by building a coordinated and binding decarbonization framework. But the path to net zero cannot stop at sector borders. Real progress depends on shared decarbonization, when industries collaborate, technologies align, and innovation multiplies its impact. Our planet moves forward when we unite, not when we compete.Ethanol has, and will continue to have, an important role to play in this journey. We are pioneering ethanol onto the global stage of the maritime industry through our first flagship program, demonstrating it as a scalable, low-carbon solution that exists today and can be accelerated.Let’s use this extra year not to delay progress, but to accelerate collaboration. The transition cannot wait.— Global Ethanol Association

GEA Welcomes Berkel AHK as a Founding Member

The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) is proud to welcome Berkel AHK Alkoholhandel GmbH & Co. KG as a new Founding Member.

GEA Welcomes Berkel AHK as a Founding Member The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) is proud to welcome Berkel AHK Alkoholhandel GmbH & Co. KG as a new Founding Member.Berkel AHK is an ISCC EU–certified producer, trader, and service provider of ethanol in Germany, with many years of experience and deep ties within the industry.Founded in 1847 and continuously owned by the same family ever since, Berkel AHK combines a long-standing tradition with a forward-looking commitment to sustainable ethanol solutions.We look forward to collaborating closely with Berkel AHK, including on advancing ethanol’s role in emerging sectors such as marine fuels, where sustainable solutions are increasingly in demand.Through their recognized contributions in market insight, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing, Berkel AHK will help drive the global adoption of ethanol as a key enabler of the energy transition and beyond. Learn more about Berkel AHK: https://lnkd.in/eiQ-MJSQ

Ethanol: The Next Wave in Sustainable Marine Fuels

The marine fuel market urgently needs low-emission solutions — and ethanol is ready to deliver. Join the Global Ethanol Association for an exclusive online webinar.

Ethanol: The Next Wave in Sustainable Marine Fuels The marine fuel market urgently needs low-emission solutions — and ethanol is ready to deliver.Join the Global Ethanol Association for an exclusive online webinar:📅 September 17, 2025 🕔 17:00 – 17:45 CET 💻 OnlineThis session will explore how ethanol can become a leading sustainable marine fuel by addressing: ✔️ Market activation & real demand creation ✔️ Global supply chain development ✔️ Supply security & availability for shipowners ✔️ Compliance with international emissions regulationsThis isn’t just another webinar — it’s a launchpad for ethanol’s role in the maritime energy transition.🔹 Speaker: Morten Thomas Jacobsen, Co-Founder & Secretary General of the Global Ethanol Association, Head of Marine Sector ActivitiesTo receive the link to register, please email marine@globalethanol.org with your name, title, and company.Learn more about us: www.globalethanol.org

We are proud to announce the official launch of the Global Ethanol Association (GEA)

We are proud to announce the official launch of the Global Ethanol Association (GEA), an independent non-profit based in Switzerland, created to accelerate innovation, collaboration, and adoption of ethanol solutions across industries.

We are proud to announce the official launch of the Global Ethanol Association (GEA), an independent non-profit based in Switzerland, created to accelerate innovation, collaboration, and adoption of ethanol solutions across industries.Thrilled to welcome WinGD Ltd. as a Founding Member of the Global Ethanol Association. Together, through our flagship Marine Fuel Sector Initiative, we will unlock ethanol’s full potential as a cornerstone of sustainable marine fuels.📄 Read more in our joint press release below:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7369298596480983040

Launch of the Marine Fuel Sector Initiative

We are currently building momentum for the launch of the Marine Fuel Sector Initiative, an ambitious working group aimed at accelerating the commercial adoption of ethanol as a low emission marine fuel.

We are currently building momentum for the launch of the Marine Fuel Sector Initiative, an ambitious working group aimed at accelerating the commercial adoption of ethanol as a low emission marine fuel. Our mission is to develop real-world, scalable pathways for integrating ethanol into maritime operations.Ethanol, the next wave in sustainable marine fuels !