Ethanol trial

APM Terminals Barcelona supports first ethanol bunkering trial in the Mediterranean

A new step in reducing emissions in maritime transport has taken place at APM Terminals Barcelona last Saturday, where the container vessel Antonia Maersk completed an ethanol bunkering trial – one of the first operations of its kind in the Mediterranean.

The operation supplied 2,800 tonnes of ethanol to the vessel. This trial helps assess how alternative fuels can work at scale, while showing how ports and logistics partners can support new energy solutions in practice.

The role of terminal infrastructure is key. At APM Terminals Barcelona, conditions were in place to cooperate to safely handle and support this operation, contributing to a smoother introduction of new fuel types into regular operations.

Collaboration across the value chain made the trial possible. Shipping lines, energy providers, port authorities and terminal operators such as APM Terminals Barcelona each play a part in accelerating the shift to lower-emission fuels. Working together helps turn ambition into practical solutions.

The trial also supports Maersk’s broader efforts to expand its portfolio of alternative fuels and build operational experience with ethanol. For APM Terminals Barcelona, it reinforces its position as a hub ready to enable new approaches to decarbonisation.

As the industry explores viable fuel alternatives, initiatives like this show how progress can be achieved through partnership, operational readiness and shared commitment to reducing emissions with APM Terminals Barcelona acting as a key enabler on the ground.