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Maersk, Yokohama, Mitsubishi in MoU for green methanol bunkering infrastructure

Three parties involved will collaborate to promote the use of green methanol in accordance with the memorandum.

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Maersk Yokohama Mitsubishi

A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) on Wednesday (27 December) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC).

This collaborative agreement will focus on the development of green methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama as Maersk’s 16,000 TEU green methanol-powered container vessels will be delivered since 2024.

Maersk has an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 throughout its entire business. For shipping, it will equip its 25 container vessels with dual-fuel engines capable of sailing on green methanol. The successful implementation of this initiative heavily relies on the establishment of port bunkering infrastructure for methanol worldwide.

“As shipping companies increasingly prioritize decarbonisation efforts, the availability of green fuel bunkering options and the feasibility to carry out the operation in Japan becomes paramount,” said Toru Nishiyama, Managing Director of Maersk Northeast Asia.

“We are delighted to join forces with the City of Yokohama, renowned for its leadership in establishing green shipping corridors in Japan, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, a pioneer in domestic methanol production. Together, we aim to pave the way for the development of green fuel bunkering infrastructure in the country.”

“Yokohama Port has held the record for the highest number of foreign vessels calls in Japan for around 60 years, underscoring its critical role in maritime transportation where 'fuel supply and bunkering for vessels' holds significant importance,” noted Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama.

“Moving forward, the three parties involved will collaborate to promote the use of green methanol in accordance with the memorandum. Yokohama aims to spearhead the development of Japan's green shipping corridors while also aiming to explore and invite more like-minded future partners to join the initiative.”

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical has been in methanol production in Japan since 1952, establishing itself as the largest supplier with a contribution of over 50% of the country's methanol supply. Leveraging its extensive methanol production technology, it will continue to drive sustainable solutions and resource efficiency in the country.

“We believe that the establishment of methanol as a ship fuel supply base in Japan is an important initiative that will contribute to international maritime transport and carbon neutrality of Japan,” highlighted Masashi Fujii, President of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical.

“From this point, we are pleased to have agreed with City of Yokohama and Maersk today for such initiative and we hope this will accelerate the action with support from related ministries, agencies, and stakeholders.”

Photo credit: A.P. Moller-Maersk
Published: 28 December 2023

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Alternative Fuels

Ammonia, methanol bunkering infrastructures among 39 projects to receive EU funding

Both projects aim to deploy a ship-to-ship bunkering system at the ports of Huelva and Algeciras respectively and include a 7500 m3 bunkering vessel each.

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Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash

Editor's Note [12 February 2025] : Article updated on CEPSA 

Two projects involving ammonia and methanol bunkering infrastructures in the ports of Huelva and Algeciras in Spain were among 39 projects to receive funding under the first cut-off deadline of 2024-2025 Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), according to the European Commission recently. 

The first ammonia bunkering infrastructure will be in Algecirasa as part of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley. The project aims to deploy a ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering system in the port of Algeciras. 

It includes a 7500 m3 ammonia bunkering vessel, an on-shore ship loading system and the piping infrastructure for the transport of ammonia from the production site to the loading dock.  

Meanwhile, the first methanol bunkering infrastructure will be in Huelva, also as part of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley. The project aims to deploy a ship-to-ship methanol bunkering system in the port of Algeciras. 

It includes a 7500 m3 methanol bunkering vessel, an on shore ship loading system and the piping infrastructure for the transport of methanol from the production site to the loading dock.

The coordinator for both bunkering projects is Spanish bunker fuel supplier CEPSA, which has been renamed to Moeve in October last year. 

The European Commission said the EU is allocating nearly EUR 422 million to the 39 projects that will deploy alternative fuels supply infrastructure along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), contributing to decarbonisation. 

With this selection, the AFIF will support other projects including approximately 2,500 electric recharging points for light-duty vehicles and 2,400 for heavy-duty vehicles along the European TEN-T road network, 35 hydrogen refuelling stations for cars, trucks and buses, the electrification of ground handling services in eight airports and the greening of nine ports.

Following EU Member States’ approval of the selected projects on 4 February, the European Commission will adopt the award decision in the coming months, after which the results will become definitive. 

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has started the preparation of the grant agreements with the beneficiaries of successful projects.

Note: The full list of successful projects can be viewed here.

 

Photo credit: Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash
Published: 11 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

Meyer Werft and partners kick off green methanol fuel cells project for cruise ship

Project’s core goal is for DLR to create large scale fuel cell stacks and Freudenberg e-Power Systems to create fuel cell systems that can be retrofitted on existing cruise ships.

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Meyer Werft and partners kick off green methanol fuel cells project for cruise ship

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft recently said it launched the zero4cruise project at Freudenberg e-Power Systems in Munich, together with project partners Freudenberg e-Power Systems and German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Building on previous developments, zero4cruise focuses on fuel cell technology powered by green methanol, according to the company.

“The project addresses a critical challenge for the maritime industry: developing climate-friendly and low emission energy systems for cruise ships,” it said in a social media post. 

The project’s core goal is for DLR to create large scale fuel cell stacks and Freudenberg e-Power Systems to create fuel cell systems that can be retrofitted on existing ships. 

“This retrofit approach is key to accelerating the decarbonisation of the cruise sector, which is vital given the long operational lifespans of vessels,” it said. 

The hybrid energy system will combine PEM fuel cells with a methanol reformer and battery systems to optimize efficiency and ensure ships can operate carbon-neutral in ports and coastal areas.

“zero4cruise is not just about new technologies—it’s about creating practical, scalable solutions that can transform existing fleets into sustainable vessels, ensuring that ships in harbours and coastal areas can operate with low emissions,” Meyer Werft added.

 

Photo credit: Meyer Werft
Published: 6 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Fuel cells with methanol reformer tech can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines, says Dr. Andreas Bodén.

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PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of fuel cell systems developer PowerCell shares with Manifold Times the potential of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer technology as a solution in maritime industry’s transition towards net-zero-emission: 

 As the maritime industry transitions towards net-zero emissions, renewable fuels have been at the forefront in advancing sustainable shipping. According to Hydrogen Europe’s “Long-term outlook on zero-emission mobility” survey, e-fuels hold the most promise for various ship types, including ferries, cruise ships, and container vessels. 

Among these e-fuel options, methanol reformer technology is emerging as a potential solution in this transition. This technology can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, enabling proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with 30% greater efficiency than internal combustion engines, paving the way for compact, high-power, and net-zero energy solutions without relying on pure hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen, often dubbed the building block of the energy transition, emerges as a viable option for certain vessels with fixed or shorter routes, such as passenger ferries and service vessels. However, its practicality for wider-scale use in deep-sea shipping has significant challenges related to supply of green molecules and energy density, as well as storage, transport, and handling.

Methanol addresses these challenges by serving as an easy and efficient liquid hydrogen carrier. It is easy to handle, store, and transport at ambient temperature and pressure. By serving as a hydrogen carrier, methanol overcomes the logistical obstacles of hydrogen fuel while still enabling the use of high-efficiency fuel cells. This symbiosis positions methanol and fuel cells as key players in scaling renewable fuels for the maritime industry. 

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of PowerCell

Efficient use of scarce resources

Green fuels like renewable methanol face significant hurdles, from scaling production to securing offtake agreements. Marine economist Dr. Martin Stopford warns that shipping might lag behind other sectors, such as road transport and chemicals, in accessing renewable fuels. At the same time, the Methanol Institute tracks nearly 90 green methanol projects aiming to produce 9 million tons annually by 2027, some of which will benefit the marine industry.

Despite the level of optimism, renewable methanol will be a scarce and a costly resource for the foreseeable future. Lloyd’s Register estimates its initial cost at around $1,000 per ton, which is significantly higher than conventional fuels. Shipowners must therefore maximise efficiency, reducing the volume of renewable fuel required and mitigating operating expenses.

Methanol’s energy density surpasses hydrogen and ammonia but falls short of hydrocarbon fuels. Lloyd’s Register highlights that ship operators would require two and a half times more methanol than traditional fuel oil for equivalent energy output. This disparity underscores the necessity of adopting more efficient propulsion systems.

Fuel cells: A pathway to efficiency

Fuel cells with methanol reformer technology offer a solution. These systems can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines. PEM fuel cells which can use this technology stand out for their compact size, efficiency, and high-power density. These technologies enable net-zero energy generation without the need for pure hydrogen infrastructure.

For smaller vessels like ferries and towboats, fuel cells can serve as the primary propulsion system, reducing renewable methanol consumption by up to 30%. Larger ships, such as container vessels, can use fuel cells to power auxiliary engines, eliminating emissions from fossil-fuel generators during port operations. Renewable methanol further curbs nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, while eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. These benefits can be enhanced when using an internal combustion engine (ICE) or a fuel cell with reformer technology specifically designed to reduce local pollutants. 

Beyond methanol, fuel cell reformer technology can be developed for ammonia. This adaptability offers a pathway to the efficient use of ammonia as a future zero-carbon solution. This flexibility also allows shipowners to adopt renewable methanol now and transition to other fuels as they become viable.

Balancing sustainability and efficiency

The IMO’s revised GHG strategy targets net-zero emissions for international shipping by 2050, with interim milestones for 2030 and 2040. Achieving these goals requires efficient use of renewable fuels and innovative propulsion systems. PowerCell’s Methanol to Power Solution, M2Power 250, exemplifies the potential to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. 

As the maritime industry is responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions, fuel cells with methanol reformers represent a practical solution. Whether powering smaller vessels or auxiliary systems on deep-sea ships, this technology bridges the gap between the current fuel limitations and the future of sustainable shipping. 

The marine industry must embrace innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions. Fuel cell technology, with its unparalleled efficiency and fuel optionality, positions many shipowners best to navigate the challenges of the energy transition. 

 

Photo credit: PowerCell
Published: 6 February, 2025

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