Raízen and Wärtsilä promise to change the direction of the industry: ethanol-powered ship reduces CO80 emissions by up to 2% on a standard route from Brazil to Europe

A new decarbonization pact is coming to change the course of the industry! In an unprecedented effort to combat rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in shipping, Raízen – the world's largest ethanol producer and giant naval equipment supplier Wärtsilä, have entered into an agreement to explore the potential use of ethanol as a marine fuel and advance in the construction of the first maritime ship powered by cellulosic ethanol (E2G).

This partnership, known as the “Decarbonization Agreement,” not only promises a more sustainable future for shipping on the high seas, but could also have a positive impact on reducing carbon emissions globally.

The importance of this project is undeniable, as maritime transport represents approximately 3% of global GHG emissions. To address this crisis, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and by 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. The use of ethanol on ships could be a crucial piece of the puzzle in achieving these goals.

Technology tests with ethanol as primary fuel are being conducted at the Wärtsilä engine laboratories

Ethanol, widely used as a biofuel, emerges as a promising option to drive the decarbonization of maritime transport. In the engine laboratories of Wärtsilä Sustainable Fuels, initial tests are being conducted to evaluate the performance of ethanol as a main fuel. This not only demonstrates Raízen's commitment to innovating, but also its role in creating sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.

With ethanol as a viable contribution to a portfolio of low-carbon solutions, this collaboration seeks to pave the way for greener, more sustainable shipping.

Replacing fossil fuel on ships promises to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% on a standard route from Brazil to Europe.

The ethanol revolution in shipping is underway. Preliminary results from Raízen show that by replacing fossil fuel on ships, CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 80% on a standard route from Brazil to Europe. This is encouraging news in the search for sustainable, low-carbon alternatives for the shipping industry.

Wärtsilä's investment in low- and zero-carbon technologies is a significant step in the right direction. This agreement with Raízen is not only an example of its commitment to sustainability, but also a milestone in the evolution of the maritime transport industry. As we move toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, the combination of ethanol and cutting-edge technology is proving to be a powerful duo in the fight against GHG emissions.

Ethanol could become the fuel of the future, paving the way for cleaner and more responsible maritime transport.

The partnership between Raízen and Wärtsilä promises to revolutionize the maritime transport sector, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels. With a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supporting IMO targets, this alliance demonstrates how innovation and search for sustainable solutions can shape the future of maritime transport. Ethanol, with its potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, could become the fuel of the future, paving the way for cleaner, more responsible shipping. This is an important milestone in the journey towards a greener and more sustainable planet