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:

The expertise required to power the energy transition in maritime is considerable, ranging from increasing the capacity of fuel production, its transport and storage and the innovations in dual fuel ship design that align with global net zero targets. 

Securing additional tonnage of green methanol continues to a focus for leading container line Maersk, while work is continuing to enhance both availability of methanol and its ease of consumption in main engines, illustrated by the launch of a new class of product tankers constructed in joint venture.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 50 of 2024:

Methanol Institute Welcomes HIF Global as Newest Member

Date: December 9, 2024

Key Points:

The Methanol Institute (MI) has announced the addition of HIF Global to its membership roster. HIF Global specializes in producing e-Fuels, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels compatible with existing transportation and industrial infrastructure.

Its approach combines renewable energy with technology to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis and captured CO₂ from various sources. These components are synthesized to create e-Fuels, including e-Methanol for ships, e-sustainable aviation fuels and e-Gasoline for cars, which are crucial for decarbonizing global transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HIF Global’s operations include the HIF Haru Oni facility in Magallanes, Chile — the world’s first operating e-Fuels facility inaugurated in December 2022 — and the HIF Matagorda e-Fuels Facility in Texas, designed to produce 1.4 million metric tons of e-Methanol annually once fully operational. As part of MI, HIF Global will collaborate with industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote methanol-based solutions and e-Fuels in the transition to a low-carbon future.

Hafnia to Take Delivery of First Dual-Fuel Methanol MR Tanker in January 2025

Date: December 10, 2024

Key Points:

Product tanker owner and operator Hafnia has announced the upcoming delivery of the first in a series of four 49,800 deadweight dual-fuel Methanol Chemical IMO II Medium-Range (MR) newbuilds ordered with French shipowner Socatra, under its Ecomar joint venture.

Constructed at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China, this vessel has successfully completed construction and sea trials, with delivery scheduled for January 2025.

These vessels represent a significant advancement in the partners’ decarbonization strategy, offering the flexibility to operate on both conventional fuel and methanol. This dual-fuel capability facilitates a transition to more sustainable fuel options as green methanol becomes increasingly accessible.

In addition to the dual-fuel system, Hafnia is evaluating further innovations to enhance fuel efficiency and minimize environmental impact. This includes exploring the integration of shaft generators and Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) with provision made for the future installation of rotor sails. The vessels are also designed to accommodate future shore power connections, with designated areas in the engine room allocated for transformer sections compatible with high-voltage shore power, contingent upon port infrastructure capabilities.

The quartet of newbuilds will be time-chartered from Ecomar to TotalEnergies for multi-year periods, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Ecomar and the energy company. Following the initial delivery in January 2025, the subsequent two vessels are slated for delivery within the same year, with the fourth vessel expected in 2026.

Maersk and NTPC Green Energy Explore Green Methanol Supply Partnership

Date: December 11, 2024

Key Points:

A.P. Moller-Maersk is in preliminary discussions with NTPC Green Energy, a subsidiary of India’s leading energy conglomerate NTPC, to establish a green methanol supply agreement. NTPC Green Energy plans to develop a green fuels production hub in Andhra Pradesh, targeting an annual output of 2 million metric tonnes of fuel for export. This initiative aligns with Maersk’s strategy to secure alternative fuel sources for its expanding fleet of methanol-powered vessels, supporting the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

Yingkou Port Achieves ISCC EU Certification for Green Methanol Storage

Date: December 12, 2024

Key Points:

Yingkou Port, a subsidiary of Liaoning Port Group under China Merchants Group, has secured the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certification for green methanol storage as of December 5, 2024. Specializing in the storage and handling of refined oil and liquid chemicals, Yingkou Port is strategically positioning itself to support the use of green methanol as a bunker fuel, particularly within Northeast Asia.

In anticipation of future customer demands and to align with sustainable development goals, the port has proactively established a green methanol corridor. Currently, it offers up to 225,000 cubic meters of storage capacity for green methanol transshipment, with individual tank sizes ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 cubic meters, catering to producers and distributors of green methanol.

The certification process was facilitated by Shanghai Wenji Biotechnology Co., Ltd., which assisted Yingkou Port in developing a comprehensive ISCC quality management system. Following an on-site audit conducted by international certification body SGS on November 8, the certification was granted in less than a month, underscoring the port’s commitment to sustainable fuel infrastructure.

Infineum Develops Lubrication Solutions for Methanol as Marine Fuel

Date: December 12, 2024

Key Points:

Infineum, a global fuel additives company, is actively addressing technical challenges associated with using methanol as a marine fuel, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

In an article published on December 10, 2024, Infineum’s Fuels Technologist, Frank Simpson, discussed the company’s efforts to enhance methanol’s viability as a marine fuel. A significant development is Infineum’s new lubricity additive for alcoholic fuels, such as methanol and ethanol, which is expected to be ready for deployment in 2025. This additive aims to improve the lubricating properties of methanol, addressing one of the key technical challenges in its adoption as a marine fuel.

Infineum’s initiatives are part of a broader industry effort to explore sustainable transportation solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s work contributes to a multi-fuel, multi-technology approach to meet the pressing challenges of climate change while ensuring reliable and affordable mobility solutions.

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 19 December, 2024