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China stakeholders discuss future development and adoption of methanol bunker fuel

Stakeholders analysed application status, future development trends and potential market of methanol as an alternative fuel to promote cooperation between parties.

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China maritime stakeholders discussed methanol as an alternative bunker fuel for ships in a session of the 2nd World Maritime Merchants Forum on Wednesday (16 November), according to several China-based news outlets.

During the discussion titled Application Status and Future Development of Methanol as Marine Fuel held online, the conference invited industry associations, shipyards, engine manufacturers, methanol fuel supply system manufacturers, ship management companies, methanol fuel suppliers, methanol fuel filling companies and shipowners to give their take on the topic. 

Together they analysed application status, future development trends and potential market of methanol as an alternative fuel for ships. The conference was to promote cooperation of all parties in the shipping industry to jointly promote methanol. 

Zhang Shouguo, executive vice president of China Shipowners’ Association and senior engineer, delivered an opening speech, said: “To achieve China’s ‘dual carbon’ goals, new logistics methods can be adopted and clean fuels can be used. Methanol is an excellent alternative clean fuel. Studies have shown that compared with pure diesel power, methanol-powered ships can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 96%, reduce hydrocarbons by 99%, and reduce emission by 54%. It has become the first choice for green ships to replace fossil fuels to help the shipping industry achieve carbon emission reduction”.

Li Yanqing, Secretary-General of China Association of the National Shipbuilding Association, said: “We are now in an era of great changes in shipping and methanol has now stood out from many alternative fuels. The China Classification Society also released the 2022 version of guidelines for the application of methanol and ethanol fuel in ships in July this year, and major domestic ship design institutions are gradually improving the design of methanol-powered ships. Our association will pay close attention to the progress of various tasks, further strengthen exchanges and interactions with upstream and downstream shipping companies, and work together to explore a path of transformation and development of ship fuels that suits the characteristics of our country’s development.”

Liang Weiwei, a system design engineer of MAN Energy Solutions China Co., Ltd., talked on The Working Principle of Methanol Fuel Engine and the Composition of Dual Fuel System of Main Engine. By introducing the product line of MAN dual-fuel main engines, the existing gas and liquid dual-fuel engines of MAN were summarised and the methanol-fueled main engines can achieve conventional power output. He also emphasised that if green methanol is used as fuel, the goal of carbon neutrality can be achieved.

The conference was co-hosted by China Merchants Group, the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Baltic and International Maritime Council, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.

Related: China: Major shipping firms view methanol as main alternative fuel of the future
Related: Methanol Institute: Methanol takes another step forward as China shipping giants signal support

 

Photo credit: 文 邵 from Pixabay
Published: 23 November, 2022

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Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

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Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

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The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

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The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

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Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

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Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

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