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Argus Media Q&A: Methanex says future of biomethanol is in shipping

Methanex, one of the largest methanol producers, told Argus in an interview, how it sees the future of biomethanol in the shipping industry and challenges in developing the new bunker fuel.

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Canadian firm Methanex, one of the largest methanol producers, told Argus how it sees the future of biomethanol in the shipping industry, and the challenges the development of this new fuel could face. The firm recently completed what it dubbed the first 'net zero' shipping voyage fuelled by biomethanol blend.

27 March 2023

What role do you think renewable methanol will play in achieving net zero emissions in the shipping industry?

Methanol has emerged as a leading alternative marine fuel as shipping companies recognise its low-carbon potential. Currently, there are more than 125 vessels operating or on order and many more projects under development for methanol newbuilds and conversions.

As most new vessels are starting to come online over the next couple of years, regulations and bunkering infrastructure are being developed in ports globally to support the transition. Because methanol is already used in over 120 ports and is handled and bunkered similarly to diesel, we expect the transition to be relatively straightforward for methanol compared with other alternative fuels.

How was the 'net zero' of your first biomethanol voyage counted?

During the 18-day voyage, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis — including the production process — were achieved through the use of a fuel blend, comprised of 80pc ISCC certified bio-methanol with 20pc natural gas-based methanol.

The bio-methanol used in this voyage was produced from renewable natural gas (RNG) derived from captured methane from animal manure feedstock, which would have otherwise been emitted into the atmosphere. Instead, burning it as a fuel, which releases CO2, has a far lower warming effect than the previously captured methane, which is 25x more potent than CO2 according to the EPA. Marine gasoil (MGO) was also used as a pilot fuel, representing approximately 5pc of the fuel used.

Bureau Veritas then conducted an audit of the greenhouse gas emission calculations from the biomethanol fuel blend — plus all the other fuels — consumed during the voyage. Also, the Climate Neutral Commodity, an independent certification party validated the net-zero voyage against best practices as defined by the ISCC and issued the certification.

Do you see the demand for renewable methanol mainly coming from the shipping industry or elsewhere?

We see significant demand potential emerging in the marine sector as a large and growing number of shipping companies are ordering — or considering — methanol vessels as greenhouse gas regulations become more stringent. We are also seeing increasing interest in lower-carbon methanol for use in other fuel and chemical applications.

How does the demand for green methanol compare with green ammonia? Does green methanol have a competitive advantage, if any?

One of the unique qualities of methanol versus ammonia is that it is a liquid fuel under ambient conditions. This makes methanol easy to transport, store and bunker using standard safety procedures that are similar to the well-established procedures for diesel. Thus, the cost of methanol-fuelled vessels and land-based infrastructure to store and supply methanol is significantly lower than other alternative fuels that require pressurization or cryogenics.

Methanol also has a higher volumetric energy content than alternative fuels such as ammonia or hydrogen and requires less frequent bunkering as well as being more environmentally benign compared with other options as it dissolves in water and biodegrades rapidly.

What are your future plans for green methanol production?

While today we produce methanol from natural gas, methanol can also be made from renewable sources, such as renewable natural gas, biomass, and green hydrogen combined with recycled carbon dioxide. Because our manufacturing facilities have a lifespan of several decades, and the process to make methanol remains largely the same regardless of feedstock used, we can easily modify existing infrastructure to produce lower-carbon methanol. Methanex is currently exploring pathways to gradually decarbonise our existing plants using alternative feedstocks or renewable electricity.

In addition, pursuing staged investments allows us to adjust production based on product demand and feedstock availability. We also plan to invest an additional $1 mn in 2023 to refine the potential scope and for a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) investment in Geismar, Louisiana.

This year, we will also conduct a technical and economic feasibility study using green hydrogen at existing plants to produce methanol with a lower carbon intensity. If the concept proves viable, lower-carbon methanol could be produced alongside conventional methanol at some of our sites, to match the growing market needs for low-carbon methanol.

What challenges are you facing in achieving these plans?

'The green premium' refers to the gap between the cost to produce lower-carbon methanol and what customers are willing to pay for it. While we are seeing the gap narrow, this remains a key challenge to scaling the production of blue or green methanol.

We are currently working to develop concepts, test feasibility and liaise between customers and suppliers on this. As markets and regulations shift and government incentives evolve, we are continually working to understand what solutions our customers want, gauge their willingness to pay a premium for blue or green methanol, and facilitate the supply needed to meet demand.

By Portia Kentish

 

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 30 March, 2023

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

4.46 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in January, a drop from 4.91 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port decreased by 9.1% on year in January 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.46 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,461,710 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in January, a drop from 4.91 million mt (4,906,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in January (against on year) recorded respectively 1.66 million mt (zero from 1.66 million mt), 2.43 million mt (-15% from 2.86 million mt), 900 (+100% from zero), 3,100 mt (-77% from 13,500 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in January (against on year) recorded respectively 16,000 (+100% from zero), 92,000 mt (+103% from 45,300 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero).

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 6,600 mt (-36.5% from 10,400) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 5.2% on year in December 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 4.6% on year in November 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 10.8% on year in October 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales continue to increase by 2.8% on year in September 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 7.2% on year in August 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 3.3% on year in July 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain 8.7% in June 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.7% in May 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 0.6% on year in April 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.4% on year in March 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 18.8% on year in February 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 12.1% on year in January 2024

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 14 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore-based Straits Bio-LNG aims to deliver 250,000 mt of bio-LNG bunker fuel per year

Firm is currently in advanced stage of testing breaking down Empty Fruit Bunch through an established biological process with high enzyme concentration in its R&D facility in Malaysia to produce bio-LNG.

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Singapore-based Straits Bio-LNG aims to deliver 250,000 mt of bio-LNG bunker fuel per year

Straits Bio-LNG, a privately owned supplier of bio-LNG, is aiming to deliver 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) of bio-LNG per year in Singapore, according to SEA-LNG on Thursday (13 February).

The Singapore-based company, led by SK Tan as CEO, is doing so in response to the growing demand for LNG. LNG bunkering volumes have grown significantly in key bunkering hubs as more LNG-fuelled vessels have entered into operation. 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) saw a dramatic four-fold increase in 2024 to almost 340,000 mt, SEA-LNG said in a statement announcing Straits Bio-LNG joining the coalition. 

Headquartered in Singapore, the company boasts a growing team led by SK Tan as CEO.  

Yiyong He, Director at Straits Bio-LNG, said: “We’re firmly convinced in the viability of the LNG pathway to decarbonise the shipping industry. With its very low carbon intensity and improving commerciality, liquified biomethane will be a critical piece of the puzzle for decarbonising the sector.”

“By joining SEA-LNG, we’re proud to be part of a collection of first movers making real strides to make the LNG pathway a tangible reality today.”

Straits Bio-LNG aims to reach its bio-LNG supply goal by using pioneering methods. It is currently in the advanced stage of testing breaking down Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) through an established biological process with high enzyme concentration in its R&D facility in Malaysia. 

Both Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and EFB are sustainable biomass resources listed in the “List of Materials Eligible for ISCC EU Certification” and are therefore compliant with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG, added: “The Port of Singapore is the largest global bunkering hub. As seen in our View from the Bridge report, 2024 saw record growth in LNG and liquified biomethane bunkering, but we need more fuel to meet upcoming demand.”

“The use of liquefied biomethane as a marine fuel can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to marine diesel on a full well-to-wake basis. When produced from the anaerobic digestion of waste materials, such as manure, POME or EFB, methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is captured, resulting in negative emissions of up to -190% compared with diesel."

An independent study by the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore found that pure bio-LNG could cover up to 13% of the total energy demand for shipping fuels in 2050, rising to 63% for a 20% blending ratio. 

SEA-LNG added MPA has firmly established itself as a leader in the LNG pathway, with suppliers such as Straits Bio-LNG reinforcing this position. 

Recently, the port launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

“Straits Bio-LNG will play a critical role in furthering the expansion of liquified biomethane at scale to meet the demand and continuing to showcase the LNG pathway as a practical and realistic solution for shipowners to decarbonise their operations, starting today,” it said. 

Related: Singapore: MPA launches EOI to expand LNG bunkering services amid growing demand

 

Photo credit: Straits Bio-LNG
Published: 14 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

South Korea to invest USD 154 million into construction of environment-friendly ships

Government, local governments, and public institutions plan to invest approximately KRW 222.3 billion (USD 154 million) to support the building or conversion of 81 environment-friendly ships.

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The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) Tuesday (11 February) announced that it has prepared the 2025 Implementation Plan for Environment-Friendly Ship Distribution in accordance with the first Master Plan for Environment-Friendly Ship Development and Distribution (2021-2030).

The government enacted the Act on the Promotion of Development and Distribution of Environment-Friendly Ships in December 2018 to mandate the public sector to build environment-friendly ships and provide the private sector with a legal basis to reduce acquisition taxes and provide subsidies when converting into environment-friendly ships. 

As a result, 199 ships were converted into environment-friendly ships as of last year.

This year, the government, local governments, and public institutions plan to invest approximately KRW 222.3 billion (USD 154 million) to support the building or conversion of 81 environment-friendly ships.

The public sector plans to build a total of 34 environment-friendly vessels, including electric-powered or hybrid ships, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, 15 operating ships will be equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) to reduce fine dust emissions.

In the private sector, support will be provided for building 20 ships in keeping with the demand for transitioning to environment-friendly vessels. Financial assistance such as secondary financing will continue to be offered as well for 12 vessels for installing environment-friendly equipment.

Meanwhile, applications for the 2025 First Phase of the Certified Environment-Friendly Vessel Supply Support Project will be accepted from 31  January 31 to 27 March to support the construction of environment-friendly vessels by small and medium-sized coastal shipping companies operating in domestic ports.

Eligible applicants include coastal shipping companies that order certified environment-friendly vessels such as electric-powered or liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled ships. Selected applicants can receive subsidies of up to 30% of the ship's construction cost depending on the certification grade and vessel construction expenses.

“We will make generous investments in small and medium-sized shipping companies to convert into environment-friendly ships, drastically reduce greenhouse gases in the shipping industry, and proactively respond to strengthening international decarbonization regulations,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.

 

Photo credit: Lauren Seo on Unsplash
Published: 14 February, 2025

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