International fuel additives company Infineum on Tuesday (10 December) published an article on its Insight website assessing future bunker fuel options and highlighting the work it is doing to overcome some of the technical issues associated with the use of methanol as a marine fuel.

The following are excerpts from the article:

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) firms up on its decarbonisation ambitions, towards a net zero 2050, the maritime industry is looking for the best ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Infineum Fuels Technologist, Frank Simpson, explores the future fuel options, assesses the challenges they present to the industry and highlights the work Infineum is doing to overcome some of the technical issues associated with the use of methanol to help it become a more viable marine fuel option.

Major engine manufacturers worldwide are investing heavily in sustainable transportation solutions, many focusing on electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels to reduce emissions. Innovations in engine design, hybrid technologies, and the use of sustainable materials are also key strategies being employed. Additionally, collaboration with governments to develop necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations, is crucial for the transition to greener transportation options.

A multi-fuel, multi-technology approach aims to address the pressing challenges of climate change, while also meeting consumer needs for reliable and affordable mobility solutions.

This presents a huge challenge and raises the question - how can future transportation be sustainable?

The issue is further complicated in non-road industries, such as shipping, where electrification using batteries is more difficult. This is mainly down to challenges related to scaling up battery size, the difficulty of bringing electricity to vessels for charging, ship weight constraints and scarcity of critical raw materials needed for large battery production.

The barriers to electrification mean the production of internal combustion engines capable of running on sustainable fuels is essential for the maritime industry.

Exactly which fuels still remains to be seen, as there are a wide range of options being considered across the industry, all with their advantages and challenges. The leading candidates in this area appear to be methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. In addition, there is a strong interest in cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and bio-oils (derived from pyrolysis of waste products). However, many of these sustainable fuels will face production and supply issues in the first half of this century, leading most forecasters to suggest there is unlikely to be one lead candidate, rather that the marine industry will adopt a mix of these fuels by 2050.

What does this mean for engine manufacturers?

Firstly, it means huge uncertainty moving forward. Many factors, such as government and IMO regulations, which have seen numerous changes in the past decade alone, are out of the OEMs’ control. Production of green fuels may not meet demand, which could cause their uptake to slow and, because fuel prices are very unpredictable, the economics are especially difficult to plan.

Secondly, it means they need to act today to find technical solutions to enable the use of these new fuels and to ensure they can meet market demand in the future. This has been a huge issue for the industry and significant investments in R&D have been necessary to engineer innovative solutions in these future fuels areas. With many different fuel options still being considered, and no clear picture on which will dominate and by when, OEMs are having to run simultaneous research projects across several fuel areas.

Technical issues facing new fuel adoption

The technical challenges associated with these new fuels fall into three main categories:

Combustion. The extent of which depends on the fuel itself. For example, when compared to diesel fuel, ammonia and methanol are harder to ignite, so a combustion solution including a pilot fuel such as diesel may be needed. In contrast, hydrogen ignites more readily, which causes issues with pre-ignition requiring an alternative solution, such as a specialised engine oil for hydrogen fuel.

Corrosion. This will also differ between the fuels being used, the metals in contact with them and environmental conditions, such as exposure to air or nitrogen blankets, likelihood of water being present and storage temperatures and pressures. This makes finding a cost-effective solution that protects the entire engine and delivery system in all conditions a massive challenge for OEMs. The concern here is that incompatible materials may corrode over time and the metals could become weaker, and break under stress, resulting in severe damage to the engine.

Lubricity. Future fuels all have drastically different lubrication qualities compared to the diesel being used in the field today. While most parts of the engine are lubricated by the engine oil, there are still some areas in fuel injectors and pumps that rely on the fuel to lubricate metal-on-metal contact. The significant sulphur reductions in diesel, mean almost all diesel fuel today includes lubricity additives to compensate for the loss of natural lubricating properties. In cases where the fuel has not provided adequate lubrication, catastrophic damage and wear to the injectors have been observed, causing parts failure within just a few thousand kilometres.

How is Infineum enabling the adoption of future fuels?

Infineum has already made great strides to enable the adoption of future fuels, especially green methanol. We have developed a novel test method specifically tailored for methanol. This method builds upon the HFRR test, incorporating adjustments to account for methanol’s unique characteristics, which has since been adopted for a Marine Methanol Fuels Specification. Untreated methanol is dry and causes a much more severe wear scar than on-spec diesel in this test. Having a test method that allows the lubricity of the methanol to be determined is the first step in solving this complex problem.

Our research and development teams have meticulously explored methanol-compatible lubricity, corrosion and combustion-enhancing additives and have successfully found additive solutions in all of these areas.

Infineum has a new lubricity additive for alcoholic fuels, such as methanol and ethanol, ready for 2025.

This additive will be the first of its kind, and will be perfectly timed to support the early adopters in the industry with their transition to green fuels. Furthermore, the additive will be compatible with retrofit vessels, achieving enhanced lubricity performance compared to on-spec diesel with less than 1000 ppm treat rate.

It is a great example of how Infineum is able to collaborate with OEMs, fuel providers and industry working groups to find viable solutions to the complex problems facing the marine industry today. With 3% of global GHG emissions currently resulting from shipping, and the need for sustainable transportation growing every day, technical solutions to key challenges, such as methanol lubricity, could have a huge impact on the decarbonisation of the industry.

Note: The full article by Infineum can be found here.

Photo credit: Infineum
Published: 12 December, 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 integration of methanol bunkering into the shipping industry continues to gather pace with more vessels being considered for conversion and bunkering operations growing in sophistication. Supply is continuing to gather pace with established facilities adding volumes and new ones approaching final investment decision.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 49 of 2024:

Scandlines and Caterpillar Motoren Sign MoU to Explore E-Methanol Conversion for Rostock-Gedser Ferries

Date: December 2, 2024

Key Points:

Danish-German ferry operator Scandlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caterpillar Motoren to analyse the conversion of its Rostock-Gedser hybrid ferries' MaK diesel engines to operate on e-methanol. This initiative aligns with Scandlines' commitment to achieving zero direct emissions in its ferry operations by 2040.

The proposed conversion aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions using e-methanol produced from renewable energy sources to potentially lower emissions by up to 95% under optimal conditions.

Currently, Scandlines employs a combination of diesel engines, battery power, and wind-assisted propulsion on the Rostock-Gedser route. However, to fully eliminate emissions, the company is exploring additional technologies. 

VPS Observes Rising Adoption of Methanol as Marine Fuel

Date: December 3, 2024

Key Points:

Marine fuel testing and inspection company Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has reported a significant increase in the adoption of methanol as an alternative marine fuel.

As of 2023, 539 newbuild vessels capable of operating on low-to-zero carbon fuels have been ordered, representing 45% of all orders by gross tonnage. Among these, methanol-capable ships are gaining traction, with 39 currently in operation and an additional 262 on order. This shift is driven by stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions such as SOx, NOx, particulate matter, CO₂, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

VPS has proactively invested in laboratory equipment and staff training to support the industry's transition to methanol. In the summer of 2023, VPS partnered with Maersk during the maiden voyage of the Laura Maersk, conducting surveys, sampling, and testing of methanol bunkers in Singapore, Port Said and Rotterdam.

This collaboration required enhanced health and safety protocols, thorough tank cleaning, the use of closed-sampling devices and testing of biofuel as the pilot fuel. All tests adhered to the International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA) specifications, with results meeting the required standards across all three loadings.

The adoption of methanol as a marine fuel is gaining momentum, with promising opportunities ahead. 

While methanol has a lower energy content than traditional fossil fuels and green methanol production is still scaling up, these challenges are being addressed as the industry invests in its future. Growing demand is driving cost competitiveness, and an increasing number of ports are now offering methanol bunkering services.

Forestal del Atlántico Advances 40,000 MT/Year Synthetic Methanol Plant in Spain

Date: December 6, 2024

Key Points:

Forestal del Atlántico, a Spanish shipping and chemicals company, is progressing with its Triskelion project—a synthetic methanol production facility in Mugardos, Galicia. The plant is designed to produce 40,000 metric tons of e-methanol annually by capturing and utilizing approximately 56,000 metric tons of CO₂ each year. The e-methanol is intended for applications in the shipping and chemicals industries.

The project has secured a €49 million grant from the European Union Emissions Trading System’s Innovation Fund in 2023, underscoring its significance in advancing sustainable fuel technologies.

Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, has been selected as the technology provider and engineering partner for the Triskelion project. Topsoe will supply its e-methanol reactor and catalyst technologies, along with engineering support, which are integral to meeting the project's e-methanol production goals.

The final investment decision is anticipated in June 2025, with the plant expected to commence operations in January 2028.

CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu Completes Inaugural Methanol Bunkering in Taizhou

Date: December 6, 2024

Key Points:

On November 30, 2024, CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu successfully conducted its first onshore methanol bunkering operation by delivering 79.5 metric tonnes of methanol to the newly built 1,300 TEU dual-fuel container ship, NCL VESTLAND, at the Sanfu Shipbuilding yard in Taizhou, China.

This operation utilized a mobile methanol filling skid, a collaborative development between CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu and COSCO (Lianyungang) Liquid Loading & Unloading Equipment Co., Ltd. The equipment facilitated a vehicle-to-ship transfer, completing the process in 2.5 hours.

The mobile methanol filling skid operates using a pump as its power source, enabling simultaneous loading and unloading. It comprises several integrated functional modules, ensuring a safe and efficient transfer of methanol from tankers to the vessel's fuel bunker, while also allowing for seamless operation and intelligent management. The system offers flexibility, requires low initial investment, and boasts a rapid bunkering rate of 180 cubic meters per hour.

To ensure smooth execution, CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu conducted numerous coordination meetings focusing on methanol fuel handling, safety assurance plans, and emergency response strategies. A detailed methanol bunkering operation guide was also compiled.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 12 December, 2024

The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) organization on Friday (5 December) awarded Yingkou Port the ISCC EU certification for green methanol storage, learned Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

Yingkou Port, the fourth branch of Liaoning Port Group Holdings (Yingkou) Co Ltd, was established in December 2003 and is a state-owned port enterprise under the China Merchants Group's Liaoning Port Group.

The firm specialises in the storage and handling of refined oil and liquid chemicals and plans to support the use of green methanol as a bunker fuel for the shipping industry, particularly in Northeast Asia, amongst others.

To meet its development needs and future customer demands, Yingkou Port has proactively laid out a green methanol corridor.

Currently, the port can provide up to 225,000 cubic meters (m³) of storage tanks for green methanol transshipment with tank sizes ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 m³ for green methanol producers or distributors.

“The issuance of this certificate lays the foundation for green methanol storage at Yingkou Port and provides an effective solution to the infrastructure issues for green methanol export in the three northeastern provinces,” said a spokesperson.

Shanghai Wenji Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was the consulting unit for this certification.

From August to October, the consultancy helped the port establish a comprehensive ISCC quality management system according to the certification system requirements, resulting in the port passing an on-site audit by international certification body SGS on 8 November.

The certificate was issued in less than a month.

Photo credit: Yingkou Port
Published: 12 December, 2024