Methanol

Biofriends to build South Korea’s first biomethanol production plant

Biomethanol will initially be supplied as an eco-friendly bunker fuel for domestic methanol-powered vessels to enhance the competitiveness of domestic shipbuilding and shipping industries.

Published

11 months ago

August 27, 2025

Admin

Biofriends to build South Korea's first biomethanol production plant

South Korea’s clean fuel producer Biofriends on Tuesday (26 August) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s biogas company Cheongmyeong on 22 August to build Korea’s first commercial-scale biogas-based methanol production plant.

This agreement is significant as it marked the starting point for the full-scale commercialisation of eco-friendly fuel production using domestically produced biogas.

Biofriends previously conducted a feasibility study on the possibility of producing from 45,000 tons to 100,000 tons per year. Based on this study, the company decided to build and operate a plant that will produce 60,000 to 80,000 tons of biomethanol per year, using 120,000 Nm³ of biogas generated daily from the biogas digester at its Gunsan plant as a raw material.

The plan is to apply Biofriends’ synthesis gas conversion technology to increase the added value of domestic biogas while establishing a commercially stable, eco-friendly fuel supply chain.

These advantages are also driving the rise of biomethanol as a means of achieving a low-carbon transition in the shipping industry, particularly amidst the strengthening of decarbonization regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The produced biomethanol will initially be supplied as an eco-friendly fuel for domestic methanol-powered vessels. This is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding and shipping industries in line with the global trend toward carbon neutrality in the shipping market, while also contributing to the achievement of national greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Furthermore, a portion of the produced biomethanol will be converted to DME (Dimethyl ether) and used as a LPG-DME blended fuel. DME is considered a clean fuel that emits virtually no pollutants such as SOx and NOx and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, its similar physical properties to LPG allow for the utilisation of existing infrastructure. When used as a blended fuel, it can significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to achieving Korea’s carbon neutrality.

Na Min-soo, CEO of Cheongmyeong, stated: “In line with the current administration’s key pledge to proactively address the climate crisis for future generations, we will continue to build biogas production facilities that recycle organic waste resources and transform into a specialized supplier of eco-friendly, renewable energy raw materials.”

Cho Won-jun, CEO of Biofriends, said: “The core of this project lies in the Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU) process, which converts biogas methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) together to create synthesis gas (syngas), which is then converted into methanol.”

“This is a first in Korea to simultaneously utilise greenhouse gases to produce high-value-added clean fuel, and it is a technology that is competitive in the global market.

“The success of Korea’s first commercial-scale plant will go beyond mere technological verification and serve as an opportunity to create new markets. It will be a turning point for leading the decarbonization of the shipping and energy industries while simultaneously securing ESG values and business growth.”

Photo credit: Biofriends
Published: 27 August, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

Towngas pushes for green methanol commercialisation under Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan

Towngas recommends making full use of Hong Kong’s advantages as an international hub by improving port facilities for green methanol bunkering.

Published

6 hours ago

August 5, 2026

Admin

Towngas pushes for green methanol commercialisation under Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas) on Tuesday (4 August) has called for the Hong Kong government to boost the city’s green methanol bunkering capabilities as part of its first Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030.

The company submitted its recommendations during the government’s public consultation on the plan, proposing measures to support low-carbon shipping in Hong Kong.

Among its key recommendations, Towngas proposes making full use of Hong Kong’s advantages as an international hub by improving port facilities for green methanol bunkering.

The company also urged the government to accelerate the commercialisation of green methanol and take the lead in developing an internationally aligned certification system for green fuels.

Beyond green methanol, it also proposes establishing a new mechanism for trading green commodities, as well as expanding innovative financial instruments such as green infrastructure REITs, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a green finance and trading centre.

The recommendations form part of a broader package covering green energy transition, innovation and technology, and green finance, aimed at aligning Hong Kong’s development with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan while supporting the city’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.

Photo credit: Hong Kong and China Gas Company
Published: 5 August, 2026

Engine

Japan’s first WinGD methanol dual-fuel marine engine passes FAT at MITSUI E&S

Company successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

Published

1 day ago

August 4, 2026

Admin

MITSUI E&S completes FAT of Japan's first WinGD methanol dual-fuel engine

MITSUI E&S on Monday (3 August) announced that Mitsui E&S DU, a group company of MITSUI E&S, has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

The engine is also the first WinGD large marine engine manufactured at MITSUI E&S Tamano Works.

“The engine is scheduled to be installed on the first vessel in a series of four vessels being built for a domestic shipowner,” the company said on its website.

By utilising green methanol as fuel, it will contribute to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping operations.

“To meet the expected increase in marine engine demand under the Japanese government’s Shipbuilding Industry Revitalisation Roadmap, the MITSUI E&S Group is working to enhance production efficiency for large marine engines through integrated operation at MITSUI E&S Tamano and Mitsui E&S DU Aioi,” the company added.

Photo credit: MITSUI E&S
Published: 4 August, 2026

Methanol

CMA CGM names new 15,000 TEU methanol-powered vessel “ROI ARTHUR”

Joining the company’s REX2 service, the ship will strengthen its fleet of new-generation vessels designed to support the decarbonisation of shipping.

Published

1 day ago

August 4, 2026

Admin

French shipping giant CMA CGM on Monday (3 August) said its new 15,000 TEU methanol-powered vessel, CMA CGM ROI ARTHUR, has officially been named and is ready to begin its journey at sea.

Joining the company’s REX2 service, the ship will strengthen its fleet of new-generation vessels designed to support the decarbonisation of shipping.

“Powered by methanol, she contributes to reducing atmospheric emissions and advancing the energy transition of our industry,” the company said in a social media post.

The vessel was welcomed by her Master, Captain Roman DIDENKO, and her godmother, Ms. Sun Lijun, Vice Chairman of Tianjin Bridge Welding Materials Group Co., Ltd. and Vice President of the Tianjin Women Entrepreneurs Association.

In January, the company announced the arrival in its fleet of its 400th owned vessel, the CMA CGM MONTE CRISTO, the first in a series of six methanol container ships.

The Group is preparing to operate, by 2031, around 200 dual-fuel LNG and methanol container ships that can be powered with low-carbon energy.

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 4 August, 2026