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
European Commission’s strategy paper ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy’ outlines its plans for the decarbonisation of shipping including establishing more ECAs.
MPA seeks for JIPs to enhance bunker operations by building up confidence in electronic documentations while improving efficiency and transparency.
Pyrolysis oil is made from biomass-based residues such as sawdust and roadside grass cuttings, says company.
In March, China’s bonded bunker fuel sales edged up to 1.53 million mt, JLC data showed; sales in March grew after the Chinese New Year holiday.
5,000 kWh energy storage system will enable ships to operate with zero emissions while in port- meeting RINA Green Plus class notation.
Marine Department Malaysia has approved five companies to operate lay-up services located at East Johor Waters (Tompok Utara), according to spokesman.
Transferred shares of 40 subsidiaries to BVI firm after tribunal awarded claims in favour of Trinity Seatrading; YSPL has also filed a civil complaint against DNV and Liberian ship registry at Nanjing Maritime Court.
ADNOC L&S, Gulf Energy Maritime, Cockett Marine Oil, Mideast/Bahri Ship Management and VPS experts present their views on biofuel bunker hurdles at the VPS Biofuels Seminar in Dubai on 16 March.
‘Bunker barges operate in very local areas so these vessels call at port very often which means it will be a good fit for women with families,’ states Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International.
“Our Singapore branch is under preparation and is expected to start business at the republic before June 2023,” Managing Director Darcy Wong tells bunkering publication Manifold Times in an interview.
Development to supply B35 biodiesel blend officially takes effect on 1 February; local bunker suppliers will be able to deliver updated spec within March onwards, once current stocks of B30 avails run out.
VPS, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and INTERTANKO executives offered a multitude of perspectives to 73 attendees during the VPS Biofuels Seminar, reports Manifold Times.
