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DNV Industry Insights: Methanol as bunker fuel heads for the mainstream in shipping

There are currently 122 ports with methanol storage facilities worldwide, and various ports – such as Gothenburg – have issued methanol bunkering rules or are preparing to do so, according to DNV.
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Classification society DNV on Thursday (20 April) released an industry insights article on important criteria for the shipping industry to consider when using methanol as an alternative bunker fuel including methanol bunkering infrastructure and green methanol production.

The following are excerpts of the insights:

A growing order book for methanol-fuelled ships shows that the shipping industry sees methanol as a promising alternative fuel. Relying on decades of expertise in the field, DNV explains important criteria to consider.

Methanol has attracted considerable attention as an alternative ship fuel since 2021. The adoption of the IMO interim guidelines for ships using methyl or ethyl alcohol as fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1621) has been an enabler for shipowners ordering methanol-fuelled ships. Together with the IMO’s IGF Code for ships using low-flashpoint fuels and DNV’s mandatory class rules for methanol-powered ships, specifically the LFL FUELLED and Methanol Ready class notations, a comprehensive regulatory framework for the use of methanol as ship fuel is now available to DNV customers.

Unique expertise to support the uptake of methanol

Lindanger, the world’s first dual-fuel methanol-fuelled tanker, was built in 2016 to DNV class. Today, with 18 of the current global methanol tanker fleet of 24 vessels in the DNV class, DNV is in a unique position to support the uptake of methanol technology by the shipping industry. “Our certification is considered the gold standard by flag administrations, especially around the North Sea,” says Øyvind Skåra, Principal Engineer in Safety & Systems at DNV Korea. “Apart from methanol-fuelled ships, our expertise extends to bunker vessels and methanol production.” Working hand in hand, various DNV business areas provide a full range of non-class-related advisory services covering the entire methanol value chain.

Demonstrating what can be achieved

Proman, the world’s second-largest producer of methanol, and the shipping company Stena Bulk formed their joint venture Proman Stena Bulk to benefit from synergies between their companies in building up a fleet of modern, sustainable MR chemical tankers. “Together with Stena, a pioneer in methanol-fuelled ship operation, we are in a great position to demonstrate to the market what can be achieved with methanol propulsion,” says Peter Schild, Managing Director Sustainability at Proman. The joint venture’s current newbuild programme comprises six state-of-the-art dual-fuel MR tankers, all built to DNV class with three owned by the joint venture and three owned by Proman. Four of the vessels have been delivered already. “Through multiple optimizations, these vessels have achieved a world-leading EEDI for this ship type, which is seven per cent better than any other existing MR newbuild,” says Jacob Norrby, Head of Newbuilds and Projects at Stena Teknik. 

“The reason Proman and Stena Bulk decided to go for methanol-fuelled ships is to be prepared for the transformation we have to undergo on the way to net zero,” says Erik Hånell, CEO of Stena Bulk. “We know that we will be able to use this investment through to 2050 and beyond.” The plan is to blend in increasing amounts of blue and, eventually, green methanol to remain compliant with the IMO trajectory towards zero carbon. 

Safety and environmental considerations for methanol

“Methanol is neither a ‘climate’ gas nor an environmental hazard. It mixes well with water and becomes harmless quickly because it is biodegradable,” explains Skåra. “But because of the toxicity of the vapours escaping during bunkering, gas hazard zones must be designated on board – a point to consider on passenger ships.” Methanol vapours are heavier than air so they sink to lower-lying areas, he adds.  

Methanol combustion requires adding about five per cent of MGO as a pilot fuel. On certain engine types, water can be injected into the combustion chamber to lower the NOx emissions. When retrofitting a methanol fuel system, existing fuel tanks or even ballast water tanks may be used for methanol after applying a specific internal coating, provided the required access points are available. 

Methanol engine technology is proven and not especially complex, Skåra points out. “We know how to handle and use methanol as fuel, so it’s just about developing engines for various ship types.” The leading engine manufacturers plan to have more methanol-ready engines and retrofitting kits available soon, he adds.

A growing order book of newbuilds and retrofits

The order book for methanol-fuelled ships keeps growing, including for containerships, bulk carriers, tankers and even cruise and passenger vessels, with the first deliveries expected in 2024. “The demand is very high – owners want to be ready for this fuel,” says Skåra. “Orders for conversions of existing engines are likewise on the rise.”  

Smaller cargo and offshore vessels which don’t have much space on board stand to benefit especially from the relative simplicity of methanol technology, says Chryssakis. For example, Van Oord has ordered a new methanol-fuelled wind farm installation vessel which will also feature advanced emission-control technology.

Bunkering infrastructure

There are currently 122 ports with methanol storage facilities worldwide, and various ports – such as Gothenburg – have issued methanol bunkering rules or are preparing to do so. “In Norway, where we have a lively methanol industry, ships can bunker methanol from tank trucks,” says Skåra. “The long-term solution will probably be bunker vessels because of their simplicity and flexibility.” Proman Stena Bulk have successfully carried out ship-to-ship, berth-to-ship and truck-to-ship methanol bunkering operations, says Proman’s Peter Schild.

T2 Ind 471 Stena Pro Patria bunkering in Rotterdam tcm71 242545
Proman Stena Bulk have successfully carried out ship-to-ship, berth-to-ship and truck-to-ship methanol bunkering operations

Meanwhile, a new vision has emerged in the shipping industry: establishing “green shipping corridors” between specific ports where zero-emission fuels and technologies can be piloted. “We are actively involved in the discussions around establishing such collaborative platforms,” says Schild. “The key to realizing this concept is a clear regulatory framework, which has yet to be established.”

Green methanol: production ramp-up is needed

“Green methanol is not available in significant quantities today,” says Chryssakis. “Many companies are willing to invest in production but want to see the demand first.” Fortunately, he points out, there is enough time to build up the production infrastructure. “I am sure that limited volumes will be offered before long, but establishing the required production capacity will take time.” Proman is currently co-building a production facility for green methanol in Canada, and similar plans exist for Finland. “Building up a global methanol bunkering infrastructure is not a major challenge,” says Schild. “Blue or green methanol can be blended in eventually, provided we have international fuel specifications.” 

Note: The full DNV Industry Insights article on methanol can be found here. 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 24 April, 2023

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Alternative Fuels

TMD Energy and Double Corporate to negotiate on bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions deal

TMD Energy and bioenergy firm Double Corporate entered into a MoA to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets.

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Malaysia- and Singapore-based marine fuel bunkering services provider TMD Energy Limited (TMDEL) on Wednesday (18 June) announced the company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets. 

The company said this collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive negotiations to formalise partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

On 21 April, TMDEL, a 65.08%-owned subsidiary of Straits Energy Resources, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange American (NYSE American).

TMDEL and its subsidiaries (TMDEL Group) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulphur fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil and very low sulphur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. 

TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering services.

Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specialising in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. 

Double Corporate has a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the company, said: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritise finalising definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

 

Photo credit: TMD Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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Singapore-based Proteus Energy introduces hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime sector

Company has partnered with hydrogen fuel cell company Symbio France to develop the Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels.
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Singapore-headquartered clean energy provider Proteus Energy on Wednesday (18 June) has developed the Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels. 

The first offering is the Proteus®75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. The vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore support, and in-land waterway segments.

The technology has been developed in partnership with Symbio France, a world leading hydrogen fuel cell company with over 30 years track record. Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia.

“The maritime industry needs viable clean energy solutions today,” said Dr Lars Gruenitz, CEO of Proteus Energy. “We are providing a high energy density solution that is compact and lightweight, which is critical for vessels where space and weight considerations are imperative. This best-in-class system is the logical and most cost-effective choice to help operators make a quantum leap in their decarbonisation efforts”.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution can be delivered as a modular powerpack or customised and fitted into vessels.

Proteus’ fuel cell technology also complements electric propulsion and offers a powerful solution for hybrid vessels by extending their range and easing the load on batteries, thus improving space efficiency and vessel performance.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution will be backed by a two-year performance guarantee from Symbio France.

Symbio’s systems have already logged millions of kilometers powering cars, buses and commercial trucks across Europe. Now, that same rigorous, road-tested performance is being deployed at sea with added protections for marine operating conditions.

The fuel cell stacks are produced at Symbio’s gigafactory in Lyon, France, using robotic assembly systems capable of producing thousands of units annually.

This high-throughput capability ensures that Proteus can meet rising demand without sacrificing quality – something only established and proven hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers can claim.

What also sets Proteus apart is its ability to bring economies of scale, continuous R&D, and tried and tested reliability from land transport into the marine environment. 

To provide a convenient fuel storage option, Proteus also offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks developed with its partner Forvia, a major global components and technology company. The DNV type-approved tanks, which are already available for delivery, offer a safe and easy way to store hydrogen onboard vessels and will be produced on an industrial scale.

In addition, Proteus works with port operators to provide them with customised refueling solutions and infrastructure.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution is expected to be available for delivery beginning January 2026, with type approval from DNV anticipated before the end of this year. Proteus is ready to work with customers now.

 

Photo credit: Proteus Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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DNV awards AiP to SeaTech Solutions for new ammonia bunkering vessel design

Vessel is specifically designed to deliver low-carbon ammonia to ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers at the Port of Dampier and can supply up to 9,000cbm of fuel.
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DNV awards AiP to SeaTech Solutions for new ammonia bunkering vessel design

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (18 June) said it has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International (SeaTech) in collaboration with Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for the design of a new 10,000cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. 

This AiP builds on a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DNV, SeaTech, and Oceania, initiated at Singapore Maritime Week and signed in April this year.

Located in the Pilbara region, home to the world’s largest bulk export port, the Port of Dampier is emerging as a potential hub for low-carbon ammonia bunkering.

Driven by a rising demand for low- and zero-carbon shipping fuels from the region’s mining and export industries, the port has built considerable experience in dealing with ammonia cargoes and vessels and is developing a strategy to facilitate ammonia bunkering operations. This includes the successful completion of its first ship-to-ship pilot bunkering transfer in September 2024. 

Measuring 130-metres, the ammonia bunkering vessel is specifically designed to deliver low-carbon ammonia to ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers at the Port of Dampier. It can supply up to 9,000cbm of fuel, sufficient to support two round-trips of iron ore shipment between Australia and North Asia. The vessel’s optimized arrangement and advanced containment systems enable efficient ship-to-ship transfers while ensuring the safe handling of ammonia as both a cargo and marine fuel.

Nick Bentley, Managing Director at Oceania Marine Energy, said: “Oceania is proud to have worked in tandem with DNV and SeaTech to deliver a flagship, low-emissions marine fuel solution at the heart of Australia’s heaviest resource export hub. The completion of this MOU and Approval in Principle (AiP) award by DNV for our 10,000m³ clean ammonia bunker vessel marks a major milestone in developing the supply and bunker operation foundations for the low-carbon shipping Pilbara–Asia green-corridor.

“This initiative reinforces Oceania’s commitment to deliver 1 million tonnes of clean marine fuel by 2030 and positions Dampier in Western Australia as a future leader, enabling the shipping industry’s transition to near net-zero marine fuel.”

Prabjot Singh Chopra, Vice President of Technology at SeaTech Solutions, said: “We are proud to work alongside Oceania and DNV to bring this innovative ammonia bunkering vessel design to life. As part of the maritime industry’s multi-fuel transition to low- and zero-carbon energy, ammonia stands out as a viable option for long-haul shipping—and enabling its safe and efficient delivery is critical.”

“Our vessel design incorporates a high level of automation and smart control systems to ensure safe handling of ammonia, enhancing both crew safety and operational reliability during ship-to-ship transfers. This Approval in Principle marks a key milestone, not just for the vessel, but for the broader ecosystem that must be in place to support ammonia bunkering. With Dampier emerging as a green marine fuel hub, and with SeaTech (Australia) actively engaged in supporting decarbonisation initiatives aligned with Australia’s net zero ambitions, we bring a strong track record and deep expertise to deliver practical, scalable solutions that enable the decarbonisation of global shipping.”

Antony M Dsouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV, added: “Scaling up production and bunkering infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges in the maritime energy transition, and will be vital to the adoption of alternative fuels at scale.”

“This AiP is another step in realizing operationally ready bunkering capabilities and strengthening industry confidence in the potential of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for shipping. At DNV, we’re proud to support forward-thinking partners like SeaTech and Oceania with the trusted technical assurance and deep expertise needed to realize the industry’s decarbonization ambitions.”

DNV has a long history of working on initiatives to support the development and uptake of ammonia as a marine fuel, including a recent ammonia bunkering safety study for the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), which was utilized in the ship-to-ship ammonia transfer pilot at the Port of Dampier.

Related: GCMD: STS ammonia transfers pave way for ammonia bunkering in Pilbara region

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 19 June, 2025

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