Naval architecture firm Chartwell Marine on Wednesday (3 October) announced its expansion into Asia Pacific (APAC) with the hire of Fabien Lecuona, who will spearhead Chartwell Marine’s growth across the region from Singapore. 

This will support both current and future build projects as Chartwell Marine grows its vessel-build partnerships in the region. 

Chartwell Marine said it is already seeing strong demand from APAC for its vessels, with six already ordered, two in build and interest from offshore wind leaders, such as Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Chartwell Marine vessels are specifically designed to meet the challenges facing APAC’s maritime and offshore wind industries and can be built anywhere in APAC, using local content and employees. 

Andy Page, Managing Director of Chartwell Marine, said: “We’re very excited to announce our expansion into APAC with the launch of our new Singapore office. APAC is experiencing rapid economic growth, and we’ve seen a surge in demand for sustainable maritime solutions – especially from Southeast Asia.”

“From our new Singapore base – headed by the highly experienced Fabien Lecuona – we will be able to provide a first-class service to our clients and build long-term partnerships that create a greener maritime industry in APAC.”

Fabien Lecuona brings over 13 years of experience in APAC maritime and has worked in multiple industries throughout his career, including maritime electronics and engine manufacturing. 

Within his new role, Lecuonawill focus on business development, fostering industry partnerships and promoting Chartwell Marine’s innovative and low-carbon vessel designs. Chartwell Marine has chosen Singapore as its APAC base due to the country’s status as a leading global maritime hub, green commitments and business-friendly environment.

Fabien Lecuona, Business Development Consultant at Chartwell Marine, said: “Joining Chartwell Marine to spearhead its APAC expansion is incredibly exciting, and the team is known throughout the maritime industry as a pioneer in vessel design. I look forward to working with the team to build upon this reputation and develop vessels that create a cleaner maritime industry and drive forward the renewable energy transition.” 

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Published: 3 October, 2024 

Latest figures from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform saw a total of 17 new orders for alternative fuelled vessels were placed in September 2024. 

DNV said LNG was the biggest driver, accounting for nine vessels, with most of these coming from the container segment. The remaining eight orders were for methanol fuelled vessels.

Although it was a relatively slow month for alternative fuelled vessel orders, it follows the two strongest months of the year in July and August, where 81 and 95 new orders were placed. 

“In both months, LNG was the main fuel of choice, accounting for 53 and 55 new orders respectively.  Order uptake continues to be dominated by the container segment, which accounted for around two-thirds of all orders in the third quarter of 2024,” it said. 

Overall, the steady momentum in the alternative fuelled orderbook remains. A total of 370 alternative fuelled vessels were ordered in the first three quarters of 2024, representing year-on-year growth of 24%.

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “Despite a slow month in September, a broader view confirms that the momentum in the new order market towards alternative fuelled vessels remains strong.

“LNG is clearly the headline story since the summer, accounting for around 60% of all alternative fuelled new orders in the third quarter mainly thanks to a strong uptake in the container segment.

“Although 49 new orders for methanol fuelled vessels were registered in the third quarter, only eight of these were placed in September, demonstrating a slight stagnation.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 3 October, 2024 

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 methanol as a marine fuel market is all about growth and opportunity this week. New agreements on building green corridors, additional bunkering capacity, new and supersized vessel orders dominated the news agenda. The Methanol Institute also made the news, releasing research it commissioned into the impact of EU regulations on the cost of renewable methanol. The work demonstrates that regulation will be an efficient mechanism for closing the price gap, making e and bio-methanol cost competitive for buyers in step with regulatory deadlines.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 39 of 2024:

Shenzhen and Long Beach Ports Partner to Advance Bunkering Technologies Through MoU

Date: September 23, 2024

Key Points:

The ports of Long Beach and Shenzhen have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing new bunkering technologies, including green methanol, and establishing zero-carbon ro-ro terminals. The agreement aims to promote sustainable infrastructure within the maritime industry through technical exchanges, joint projects, and cleaner vessel initiatives. This partnership sets a foundation for future advancements in decarbonizing maritime trade across the Pacific Rim.

John T Essberger Expands Fleet with Order for Methanol-Powered Chemical Tankers

Date: September 25, 2024

Key Points:

John T Essberger has placed an order for two 13,000 DWT methanol-fuelled chemical tankers at the Rainbow shipyard in Nantong, China. The order includes an option for four additional vessels of the same type, with delivery scheduled for April 2027. The newbuilds will be equipped with dual-fuel engines, reflecting the company’s commitment to enhancing its fleet's technical standards amidst challenges in shipyard capacity and rising construction costs. This move is part of Essberger's broader strategy to modernize its fleet with advanced and sustainable technologies. 

New ARA Methanol Bunkering Partnership Expands Green Fuel Infrastructure in Northwest Europe

Date: September 25, 2024

Key Points:

TankMatch and Evos have launched a partnership to establish methanol bunkering operations at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub. Evos plans to increase its storage capacity by adding five new tanks, totalling 13,500 m³, and build a new berth for bunker barges up to 135m long. This collaboration aims to integrate storage and bunkering services across the ARA region, enhancing the availability of bio-, e-, and grey methanol for vessels and supporting green fuel adoption across Northwest Europe.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Upsizes Shaper Class Vessels to Create World’s Largest PCTCs

Date: September 25, 2024

Key Points:

Wallenius Wilhelmsen is upsizing four of its twelve Shaper Class pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) under construction at Jinling Shipyard, increasing their capacity from 9,300 to around 11,700 CEU, making them the world’s largest PCTCs. The upsizing strategy aims to optimize cargo capacity, reduce costs, and support the company’s net-zero emissions goal. The vessels will also be equipped with methanol-capable engines, allowing them to operate on both conventional and alternative fuels, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals and preparing for future methanol use. 

EU Regulations Set to Increase Methanol Bunker Demand for Maritime Shipping

Date: September 26, 2024

Key Points:

The Methanol Institute anticipates a surge in demand for methanol bunker fuel driven by new EU regulations, including the FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The regulations aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and impose penalties on conventional fuel usage, encouraging shipowners to switch to bio- or e-methanol as a compliance measure. The EU's phased implementation will narrow the price gap between methanol and traditional fuels, positioning methanol as a viable alternative in the shipping sector.

BMT and Strategic Marine Unveil New Methanol-Ready StratCat35 Crew Transfer Vessel

Date: September 26, 2024

Key Points:

BMT and Strategic Marine have introduced the StratCat35, a 35-meter Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) designed for offshore wind operations. The vessel, which debuted at WindEnergy Hamburg, features a hybrid propulsion system with a methanol-ready configuration, enhanced deck space, and BMT’s Z-Bow hull for superior seakeeping. This project marks a significant step in advancing the operational capabilities and sustainability of CTVs in the offshore wind sector.

 

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 3 October, 2024