Editor’s Note: Additional info was included in the article on 1 August to reflect methanol maritime related developments between 15 to 28 July

The Methanol Institute, provides an exclusive weekly commentary on developments related to the adoption of methanol as a bunker fuel, including significant related events recorded during the week, for the readers of bunkering publication Manifold Times:

This week saw significant advancements in methanol fuel technology and vessel operations. The Eco Maestro, the first methanol-powered container ship, arrived at Muuga Port. Fratelli Cosulich commenced steel cutting for a new methanol dual-fuel bunker tanker. Acta Marine launched two methanol-powered CSOVs, and MPC Container Ships received a methanol-ready boxship from South Korea. These developments mark crucial steps in the maritime industry’s transition to sustainable fuels, aligning with global decarbonization goals.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 29 of 2024:

GENA Solutions Projects Significant Growth in Renewable and Low-Carbon Methanol by 2029

Date: July 15, 2024

Key Points:

The Methanol Institute, in collaboration with GENA Solutions, reported a rise in the renewable and low-carbon methanol project pipeline from 32.3 Mt to 34.1 Mt by 2029. The June 2024 database shows rapid growth in renewable methanol projects, with 1.8 Mt added in a month, and increased e-methanol and biomethanol facilities. China leads the pipeline with 46%, followed by Europe at 28%. This data supports the maritime industry’s transition to methanol as a mainstream fuel, aligning with IMO 2030/2050 targets.

Preparing Tankers for Green Fuel Conversion

Date: July 15, 2024

Key Points:

The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping’s report delves into converting existing tankers to green fuels such as methanol and ammonia. The analysis covers technical, environmental, and economic aspects for LR2 and VLCC tankers. Key insights include the economic feasibility of dual-fuel newbuilds if conversions occur within 5-12 years and the challenges of fuel storage and cargo capacity. The report highlights the practical steps needed for retrofitting and emphasizes the importance of preparing the shipping industry for a green fuel transition.

Methanol’s Growing Role in Achieving Net Zero Shipping Goals

Date: July 15, 2024

Key Points:

Methanol is becoming a key alternative fuel in the shipping industry’s efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, as promoted by the IMO’s zero-carbon strategy. The Methanol Institute states that methanol can be safely used in most ships and offers significant emission reductions: 99% for SOx, up to 80% for NOx, and 95% for particulate matter compared to heavy fuel oil. Methanol is versatile, produced from natural gas or renewable sources, and easier to store and transfer than many alternatives. However, its lower energy density requires larger storage tanks, and its corrosiveness and low flashpoint necessitate additional safety measures.

The industry’s adoption of methanol began with the ferry Stena Germanica in 2015 and expanded with Waterfront Shipping’s methanol-powered tankers. Today, over half of Waterfront’s fleet runs on methanol. The trend continues with Maersk’s order of 18 methanol-fueled 16,000 TEU container vessels for delivery in 2024/5. MAN Energy Solutions has sold over 200 methanol-ready dual-fuel engines and sees a bright future for methanol in both two-stroke and medium-speed engines. Their recent developments include engines for coastal ships and auxiliary power on larger vessels.

Companies like Alfa Laval and Auramarine are developing advanced methanol fuel supply systems, enhancing safety and efficiency. Innovations such as SRC Group’s Methanol Superstorage increase storage capacity without the need for bulky cofferdams. The industry is also focusing on training crews to handle methanol safely, with specialized courses from providers like Green Marine.

Overall, methanol’s role in maritime decarbonization is growing, supported by technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and increasing regulatory support.

Lhyfe and Elyse Energy Partner to Develop Green Methanol Bunker Production

Date: July 19, 2024

Key Points:

Lhyfe and Elyse Energy have signed a deal to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a synthetic methanol production facility at the French port of Nantes Saint-Nazaire. The project aims to produce green methanol to decarbonize maritime transport, addressing both industrial and technological challenges. The implementation will depend on the study’s outcomes, necessary permits, and financial investments. The companies plan to present the project details by September.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 30 of 2024:

First Methanol-Powered Container Ship Arrives at Muuga Port

Date: July 22, 2024

Key Points:

On 22 July, the Estonian port of Muuga welcomed Eco Maestro, the first container vessel powered by green methanol, owned by Singaporean company X-Press Feeders. This milestone vessel operates on the Green Finland X-PRESS route, starting from Rotterdam and stopping at Antwerp, Kotka, Helsinki, and Muuga. Eco Maestro, using green methanol produced from biomass or captured CO2, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65% compared to traditional marine fuels. This docking marks the first methanol-powered ship arrival at Muuga. HHLA TK Estonia’s CEO, Riia Sillave, expressed delight in supporting sustainable logistics with X-Press Feeders, as they aim to transition their fleet to methanol-powered vessels in the Baltic Sea. Eco Maestro is the first of 14 ordered methanol vessels by X-Press Feeders.

Fratelli Cosulich Begins Steel Cutting for Methanol Dual-Fuel Bunker Tanker

Date: July 22, 2024

Key Points:

Fratelli Cosulich Group held a steel cutting ceremony at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding for their new 7,990 dwt IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker, designed to carry both green methanol and biofuels. The vessel, equipped with three MAN methanol GenSets and a diesel-electric propulsion system, also features an onboard battery storage system to optimize fuel consumption and reduce GHG emissions. Scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025, it will operate in Singapore under a contract with Trafigura, delivering marine fuels for TFG Marine. This milestone marks a significant step in Fratelli Cosulich’s decarbonization journey, with Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers Singapore overseeing its technical management and operations.

Acta Marine Launches Two Methanol-Powered Construction Service Vessels

Date: July 23, 2024

Key Points:

Acta Marine has launched two new construction service operations vessels (CSOVs), named Acta Pegasus and Acta Hercules, built by Tersan Shipyard. These vessels, designed by Ulstein, feature an optimized hull form and dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Equipped with hybrid power solutions, including batteries, the CSOVs are designed for efficient operations in offshore wind farms. The vessels, measuring 89.9 meters in length with a beam of 19.2 meters, can accommodate up to 135 personnel and are equipped with advanced gangways and cranes for safe and efficient operations. Acta Marine has secured a 12-year contract with RWE to support North Sea offshore wind farms, with operations set to begin from the Port of Grimsby in 2025 and 2026.

MPC Container Ships Receives Methanol-Ready 5,500 TEU Boxship from South Korea

Date: July 24, 2024

Key Points:

Norwegian container tonnage provider MPC Container Ships (MPCC) has taken delivery of the final 5,500 TEU methanol-ready containership, named Colorado, from South Korea’s HJ Shipbuilding & Construction on July 18, 2024. Colorado is set for a seven-year charter with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services. The vessel, along with its sister ship Mackenzie, features eco-friendly designs aimed at reducing fuel consumption by 40% and is designed for methanol conversion, potentially achieving up to 90% emission reductions. MPCC also anticipates the delivery of 1,300 TEU dual-fuel methanol newbuilds from China, with the first vessel, NCL Vestland, launched in June 2024 and slated for delivery in the latter half of the year. This vessel will be chartered to North Sea Container Line AS (NCL).

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 30 July, 2024