Methanol Institute: Advances in methanol fuel adoption and vessel development (Week 43, 21 to 27 Oct 2024)
- Published
by Admin
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:
A diverse range of maritime and marine industry participants is continuing to invest in energy efficiency, including methanol as a sustainable low emission fuel option. The technology to support newbuilding projects utilising methanol continues to mature, serving vessels of all sizes across varied shipping sectors.
Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 43 of 2024:
UK Completes Preliminary Design Review for Fleet Solid Support Ships
Date: October 21, 2024
Key Points:
The UK Ministry of Defence and Team Resolute have completed the preliminary design review for three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships which will provide munitions, supplies and provisions to the Royal Navy while at sea.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year. The FSS ships are designed to support global Royal Navy operations, including anti-piracy missions, with features for energy efficiency and potential future retrofits for green methanol. The vessels will be equipped with advanced propulsion and emission-reducing systems, aligning with the UK’s carbon reduction goals.
Woodward Unveils Advanced Fuel Injection Systems for Methanol and Ammonia Engines
Date: October 22, 2024
Key Points:
Woodward has introduced new fuel injection systems tailored for future fuels like methanol and ammonia, integrated within its Medium Pressure Injection (MPI) and High-Pressure Dual Fuel (HPDF) lines.
These systems support port fuel injection and medium-pressure direct injection, handling up to 250 bar of injection pressure. Utilizing Common Rail technology, these injectors adapt to various engine types, meeting the demands for low-carbon fuels in maritime applications. This development marks a step forward in supporting the transition to alternative fuels in the shipping industry.
IINO Lines to Construct Japan’s First Large Methanol Dual-Fuel Crude Oil Tanker by 2027
Date: October 24, 2024
Key Points:
IINO Lines, in collaboration with Idemitsu Tanker and Nihon Shipyard, has announced plans to build Japan’s first large methanol dual-fuel crude oil tanker, set for completion in 2027. The vessel will feature dual-fuel capability, using methanol alongside conventional fuel, and is equipped with a shaft generator for enhanced efficiency. This project underscores Japan’s progress in adopting methanol as an alternative fuel, supporting sustainable shipping.
Sinopec Completes China’s Largest Methanol Bunkering Operation for Maersk Halifax
Date: October 25, 2024
Key Points:
Sinopec has successfully carried out China’s largest methanol bunkering operation, supplying 937metric tonnes to Maersk’s methanol-capable container ship, Maersk Halifax, at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard. This truck-to-ship bunkering achievement reflects Sinopec’s expanded capabilities in methanol fuel logistics, including transportation, emergency response, and bunkering technology tailored for methanol-powered vessels.
China’s First Hybrid Methanol-Electric Bulk Carrier Unveiled for Inland Waters
Date: October 28, 2024
Key Points:
Guoneng Ocean Shipping (Wuhan) has unveiled China’s first hybrid methanol-electric bulk carrier, Guo Neng Changjiang 01, designed specifically for inland waters such as the Yangtze River. Developed with the Wuhan Changjiang Shipbuilding Design Institute, the 10,000-tonne vessel completed its first methanol bunkering operation, using 33 metric tonnes of ISCC EU-certified green methanol. Equipped with advanced features, including Intelligent Energy Efficiency Management, this vessel sets a precedent for green energy adoption in China’s inland shipping sector.
Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 30 October, 2024
