World’s largest shipping line Maersk and automobile giant BMW Group, along with clothing giants H&M Group and Levi Strauss & Co, have announced plans to explore a new fuel made from ethanol (alcohol) called LEO in a bid to create green shipping.
LEO is a mixture of lignin - a structural bio-polymer which contributes to the rigidity of plants - and ethanol.
British high-end clothing and food manufacturer Marks & Spencer are also said to be involved in the research.
Collectively, the companies involved have named themselves the ‘LEO Coalition’ to explore the environmental and commercial viability of LEO fuel for shipping.
Craig Jasienski, Chief Executive Officer of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, BMW’s parent company, said: “Our customers’ ambitions on sustainability are increasing rapidly, and we applaud this development.
“Clearly, LEO would be a great step forward for supply chain sustainability, and it has the potential to be a viable solution for today’s fleet, and not just a future vision,”
The LEO Coalition hopes to move into testing stages on active vessels as soon as 2020.
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