What carbon intensity value did the IMO assign to Brazilian corn ethanol, and why is it considered significant for maritime decarbonization?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) assigned a default carbon footprint value of 20.8 grams of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) per megajoule to Brazilian corn ethanol produced from the country's intermediate or second-corn crop. This value is highly significant because it is substantially lower than the current average greenhouse gas fuel intensity in global shipping, which stands at 93.3 grams of CO2e per megajoule. As the IMO develops regulatory frameworks for lower-carbon marine fuels, this officially recognized low carbon intensity positions Brazilian corn ethanol as a technically viable and compliant decarbonization option for the maritime sector — a development industry executives describe as a 'landmark' and 'historic and symbolic milestone' that consolidates the role of South American corn ethanol in global climate strategies.

How has Brazilian corn ethanol production evolved recently, and what does this indicate about its emerging role in sustainable fuel markets?

Brazilian corn ethanol production surged dramatically, reaching nearly 10 billion liters in the 2025/26 season — up from just 2.65 billion liters at the start of the decade — according to industry association UNEM. This rapid expansion reflects a strategic shift beyond Brazil’s long-dominant sugarcane ethanol sector and signals growing industrial capacity and commitment to diversifying sustainable biofuel supply. Executives emphasize that this scale is not intended to compete with other biofuels like sugarcane ethanol or biodiesel, but rather to complement them, especially given the enormous size of the global bunker fuel market — estimated by Inpasa’s Gustavo Mariano to equate to almost 400 billion liters if converted to ethanol equivalent — underscoring the need for all available sustainable biofuels to meet maritime decarbonization goals.

IMO Defines Carbon Footprint for Brazilian Corn Ethanol, Producers Call It Landmark Step

Jun 15, 2026

The International Maritime Organization set a default carbon footprint value for Brazilian corn ethanol at 20.8 grams of CO2-equivalent per megajoule. Industry leaders hail this regulatory decision as a historic milestone that could unlock significant demand from the global shipping sector.

reuters

2026-06-15

IMO Defines Carbon Footprint for Brazilian Corn Ethanol, Producers Call It Landmark Step

IMO Defines Carbon Footprint for Brazilian Corn Ethanol, Producers Call It Landmark Step

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