Classification society ABS and leading members from the Greek shipping industry came together for an in-depth analysis of the potential of methanol as a marine fuel to support shipping’s decarbonisation objectives, according to ABS on Wednesday (5 April).
ABS hosted the Athens Methanol Forum: Unlocking the Value of Methanol, bringing together shipowners, operators, shipyards and equipment manufacturers for an afternoon of presentations and a panel discussion followed by an evening reception.
“ABS is committed to supporting the safe adoption of methanol by the industry and today’s event is an aspect of that. In this forum, we brought together a unique blend of the people, the companies and the regulators that can help us understand where we are, where we need to go and what must happen in order for long-term change to occur,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.
“Methanol is increasingly being recognised as a compelling alternative pathway for owners and operators. With practical benefits related to ease of storage and handling, tank-to-wake carbon intensity reduction, as well as a pathway to carbon neutrality through green methanol, methanol presents an immediate and promising solution,” said Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability.
The Methanol Institute’s (MI) Rafik Ammar, Manager of Government and Public Affairs in Europe, joined the event, providing the latest information from the 34-year-old global trade association on methanol as fuel.
ABS specialists shared material on market trends for alternative fuels, existing and emerging technologies supporting methanol’s scale-up and the current regulatory framework around methanol. The agenda also included presentations from George Drossos, Head of Marine New Sales and Promotion from MAN; Dimitris Koliaroudakis, Director of Project Department from Technava; and Stamatis Achillas, Head of Business Development and Sales from Wartsila.
A panel discussion focused on the viability, advantages and roadblocks in the methanol pathway was led by ABS Business Development Manager Maria Kyratsoudi and featured MI’s Ammar; Loukas Barbaris, President, Safe Bulkers; and Panos Kourkountis, Technical Director, Sea Traders.
Photo credit: ABS
Published: 6 April, 2023
Advanced analytical services will support support clients in the shipping sector allowing for more accurate and efficient testing of methanol as a marine fuel, Bryan Quek tells bunkering publication Manifold Times.
While slow steaming may help save fuel cost and lowers emissions, it may end up being a costly endeavour for ship owners. Innospec suggests looking at smart slow steaming instead, shares Nicea Ng.
Bunker claim was regarding the supply and delivery of RMG380 to the demise charter of the India-flagged oil tanker on 24 February 2022 at Yosu port, according to court documents obtained by Manifold Times.
Claim was regarding sales of LSFO from Gulf Petrochem to Prime Oil Trading on 24 February 2020 which was due for payment on 23 June 2020 after a 120-day credit period, state court documents.
Remi Eriksen of DNV Group, shared during event, the business case for decarbonization must involve four key factors including alternative bunker fuels once safety guidelines and bunkering infrastructure are established.
Malaysian government will ensure all obligations and conditions under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL are implemented, says Transport Minister.