Ethanol and Green Fuels: The Future of Maritime Propulsion

  A Strategic Opportunity for Singapore and Brazil

This article is also available in Brazilian Portuguese. 👉 

By Rafael Possik and Antonio Fernando Pinheiro Pedro

The world is accelerating toward decarbonization, and the maritime sector is no exception.

With ships crossing oceans daily, the search for alternatives to fossil fuels has become a top priority. In this context, ethanol is emerging as a promising solution — safer, renewable, and more environmentally efficient than methanol. Two countries are at the center of this shift: Singapore, as a global logistics hub, and Brazil, as a bioenergy powerhouse.

Ethanol vs. Methanol: What’s the Difference — and Why Does It Matter?

While methanol is already used in some vessels, ethanol stands out for its lower toxicity, greater handling safety, and potential to be carbon-negative — especially when produced sustainably. In other words, it doesn’t just power ships — it helps clean the planet.

The table below highlights key differences between methanol and ethanol:

Feature	Methanol (CH₃OH)	Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
Source	Natural gas, coal, biomass, CO₂	Sugarcane, corn, plant waste
Toxicity	High (highly toxic)	Low (safer to handle)
Emissions	Reduced (green version)	Up to 90% CO₂ reduction
Infrastructure	Already adapted in some ships	In testing and adaptation phase
Compatibility	Engines already adapted	Dual-fuel engines in development

Why Ethanol Still Stands Out

Beyond safety, ethanol offers:

• Up to 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions
• Scalable production in countries like Brazil and the U.S.
• Lower environmental and operational risks
• Compatibility with dual-fuel engine technology

This makes ethanol a strong candidate for meeting maritime decarbonization goals.

Singapore: The Ideal Hub for Green Fuels

Singapore isn’t just a dot on the map — it’s the world’s largest maritime refueling center, connecting over 600 ports in 123 countries. With advanced infrastructure and projects like the fully automated Tuas Port, Singapore is ready to lead the global distribution of sustainable fuels. Brazil, in turn, can be a strategic supplier in this new era.

Other Sustainable Alternatives Gaining Ground

Ethanol isn’t alone in this journey. Other options are also gaining traction:

• LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 20%
• Green Ammonia: Zero CO₂ emissions, but requires careful handling
• Biodiesel and Biobunker: Made from waste, with lower carbon footprint
• Green Hydrogen: High energy density and zero emissions
• E-methanol and Biomethanol: Derived from renewable sources, with up to 95% emission reduction potential

A Strategic Opportunity for Brazil

Brazil is the world’s second-largest producer and exporter of ethanol, with a sugarcane-based energy matrix — one of the most efficient and sustainable on the planet.

This means:

• High decarbonization rate (preferred even by California)
• Established infrastructure and mature production chain
• Growing export potential (up to 3 billion liters/year)
• Strengthening of the national agribusiness, generating jobs and innovation

A Public Policy Proposal: “Brazilian Maritime Ethanol for the World”

To turn this opportunity into global leadership, Brazil can invest in:

• Energy diplomacy with hubs like Singapore and Rotterdam
• Incentives for 2G ethanol production through green credit
• Port modernization for maritime refueling
• International sustainability certification
• Research in dual-fuel engines and smart logistics

Implementing this policy requires leadership, transdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing coordination between research institutions, public administration, and the private sector.

Impact on Energy and Logistics Sectors

These actions could transform Brazil’s energy sector, strengthening its renewable matrix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. In logistics, adapting ports and export corridors for green fuels positions Brazil as a strategic link in global decarbonization chains.

Conclusion

The shift to green fuels like ethanol, ammonia, and LNG is not just a trend — it’s a strategic revolution. Brazil has the expertise to lead this change, and Singapore is the ideal stage for this logistical and environmental transformation.

If you work in energy, logistics, or sustainability, this movement is worth watching closely.

The future of our oceans will be cleaner — and smarter.

Rafael Possik Jr. and Fernando Pinheiro Pedro

Antonio Fernando Pinheiro Pedro is a lawyer (USP), journalist, and environmental consultant. He served as Executive Secretary for Climate Change for the Municipality of São Paulo from June 2021 to July 2023. A founding partner of Pinheiro Pedro Advogados, he is a director of AICA (Corporate and Environmental Intelligence Agency). He is a member of the Brazilian Lawyers Institute (IAB) and Vice President of the São Paulo Press Association (API). He was the first president of the Environmental Commission of the São Paulo Bar Association (OAB/SP), president of the Technical Chamber of Legislation of CEBDS (Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development), Chairman of the Environment Committee of AMCHAM (American Chamber of Commerce), and a consultant to the World Bank, the UN, and several other organizations charged with improving the state's legal and institutional framework. He is a member of the Strategic Studies Center of the Think Tank Iniciativa DEX, a member of the Superior Council for National Studies and Politics of FIESP (Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo), President of the Water University Association - UNIÁGUA, Editor-in-Chief of the Portal Ambiente Legal and responsible for the blog The Eagle View.

Rafael Possik Jr. is a business administrator (FAAP) and a strategist in management, public policy, and corporate intelligence. He is a Special Advisor at SP Negócios, where he applies military strategy concepts to the promotion of investments and exports in São Paulo. A partner at AICA—a consulting firm specializing in agribusiness, energy, and sustainability—he leads projects focused on innovation and the green transition, connecting economic viability with positive environmental impact. An agro-entrepreneur and professor of Agribusiness at FAAP, he chairs the institution's alumni association.