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Methanol Institute: Driving innovation and sustainability in maritime fuel (Week 21, 20-26 May 2024)

Industry leaders advance methanol adoption through new vessel technologies, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking research, promoting sustainable maritime practices.

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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:

As orders continue to be placed for methanol dual fuel ships, more new tonnage is hitting the water to support efforts by vessel operators to reduce their carbon emissions and promote sustainable shipping practices. Behind the scenes, work continues on the technology that will drive broader take up of methanol as fuel, with engine platforms and fuel supply systems as well as new methods of e-methanol production. 

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 21 of 2024:

Singapore’s X-Press Feeders Receives Methanol Dual-Fuel Vessel

Date: May 20, 2024

Key Points: Singapore-based X-Press Feeders has received its first dual-fuel vessel built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings. This vessel, capable of running on green methanol, marks a significant advance in sustainable shipping for the company. Departing from Shanghai to Rotterdam via Singapore, it will be part of Europe’s first feeder containership network powered by green methanol starting in Q3 2024. X-Press Feeders has 14 more dual-fuel vessels on order, set for delivery from 2024 to mid-2026, enhancing their fleet’s capacity and sustainability efforts.

Headway and DMD Achieve Key Milestones for China’s First Methanol Dual-Fuel Marine Engine

Date: May 27, 2024

Key Points: Dalian Marine Diesel (DMD) has achieved significant milestones in the development of China’s first methanol dual-fuel marine main engine, completing tests on a methanol dual-fuel platform. The methanol fuel supply system, developed by Headway Technology Group, passed performance and safety tests. This marks a pivotal step in China’s marine power equipment sector and highlights Headway’s role in advancing low-carbon shipping solutions. Headway plans to continue collaborating with DMD and global partners to provide efficient alternative energy options for ships, promoting decarbonization and sustainable development in the shipping industry. 

Alfa Laval Methanol Fuel Supply System Surpasses 100 Orders

Date: May 23, 2024

Key Points: Alfa Laval has surpassed 100 orders for its FCM Methanol low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS), reflecting the growing adoption of methanol as a marine fuel. This milestone aligns with the increased newbuilding orders for methanol-capable vessels, which now total over 250 globally. Introduced in 2015, the success of FCM Methanol is attributed to partnerships with engine designers, shipyards, and shipowners. Alfa Laval continues to develop fuel treatment solutions to support the maritime industry’s climate targets.

Ahti Pool: Alternative Fuels to Overtake Traditional Bunkers by 2040

Date: May 22, 2024

Key Points: Ahti CEO Risto Kariranta predicts that alternative fuels will surpass traditional bunkers by 2040, driven by FuelEU Maritime’s incentives for low-carbon fuels. Methanol, as one of these alternatives, is expected to play a significant role due to its lower carbon intensity. Companies like AP Moller-Maersk, COSCO, Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Svitzer are investing in methanol-capable vessels, contributing to the shift towards alternative fuels. The study finds that one vessel operating in e-methanol using the pooling mechanism of FuelEU Maritime can make 75 HFO-fuelled vessels compliant. 

MHI and NGK Collaborate to Develop Membrane Dehydration Systems for Cost-Effective E-Methanol Production

Date: May 24, 2024

Key Points: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and NGK Insulators have announced a collaboration to develop membrane dehydration systems aimed at reducing the production costs of e-methanol. This initiative is part of a broader effort to optimize the efficiency of manufacturing processes for e-methanol, a next-generation clean marine fuel. The project is expected to meet the rising demand for clean fuels and raw materials as the shipping industry moves towards decarbonization.

Methanol-Fuelled Tanker “Stena Prosperous” Officially Named in Singapore

Date: May 24, 2024

Key Points: Proman Stena Bulk’s methanol-fuelled tanker, “Stena Prosperous,” was officially named during a ceremony at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore. The 49,900 DWT vessel will use a 20/80 blend of green and conventional methanol, offering 31% CO2e savings compared to voyages using VLSFO. This vessel is the last of six in the joint venture’s fleet, all of which are now in commercial operation, highlighting methanol’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable shipping practices.

 

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 31 May, 2024

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

4.59 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 7.5% on year in June 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.59 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,594,700 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt (4,274,900 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 1.70 million mt (+8.6% from 1.56 million mt), 2.31 million mt (-7.2% from 2.33 million mt), 1,900 mt (from zero), 4,500 mt (-88% from 8,000 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 38,800 mt (+671.7% from 2,500 mt), 114,300 mt (+97.9% from 45,400 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February this year, recorded 1,000 mt of deliveries in June.

LNG and methanol sales were respectively 55,400 mt (-7.8% from 51,700) and zero (from zero mt). There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far in 2025.

Related: Singapore: Bunker sales volume raises to year record high of 4.88 million mt in May
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 4% on year in April 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes reported by Manifold Times tracked since 2018 can be found via the link here.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 July 2025

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Business

S@S Week 2025: Singapore conducts chemical spill exercise to gear up for methanol bunkering

Exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker off Singapore’s southern coast, triggering a multi-agency response which included spill containment.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (15 July) conducted a multi-agency chemical spill exercise to strengthen Singapore’s operational readiness, as part of the International Safety@Sea (S@S) Week. 

MPA is organising the 12th edition of the S@S Week, with this year’s event being the international edition, taking place from 15 to 18 July 2025. 

Conducted off Singapore’s southern coast, the exercise involved 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry partners. Mr Murali, Mr Dominguez and Secretary-General, International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, Mr Francis Zachariae, observed the exercise.

The exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker, triggering a multi-agency response. This included coordinated efforts for spill containment and the evacuation of injured crew. A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes. An Uncrewed Surface Vehicle was also deployed to monitor air quality, reducing the need for responders to enter hazardous zones to perform such monitoring. The Maritime Digital Twin and chemical plume modelling tools were used to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making throughout the exercise.

The exercise is part of MPA’s broader preparations for methanol bunkering and provided a valuable opportunity for agencies and industry partners to better understand the safety and operational challenges, and potential solutions, in handling alternative fuels. Following an open call in March 2025, MPA has received 13 applications for methanol bunker supplier licenses, reflecting strong industry interest in supplying methanol on a commercial scale in Singapore. MPA is evaluating the applications and targets to issue the licenses in Q4 2025, which will cover the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. 

Themed ‘The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier’, the annual event brings together local and international maritime experts, and the maritime community to promote awareness and facilitate discussions on maritime safety. 

Speaking at the opening today, Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, said that the maritime sector is facing increasingly complex global challenges, including heightened geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rapid transformation in digitalisation and decarbonisation. He highlighted that we can tackle these challenges by (i) equipping our workforce for future challenges, (ii) harnessing collective expertise through close collaborations and partnerships, and (iii) drawing upon technology and innovation to augment our capabilities. 

In his keynote address, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscored the need for robust safety frameworks and regulations as the maritime landscape evolves. He cited Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and new ship designs and systems using sustainable marine fuels as examples of how the maritime sector is transforming and outlined IMO’s priorities in those areas. Mr Dominguez also highlighted the importance of government-industry collaboration and initiatives like the Safety@Sea Singapore Campaign to foster a safety-first culture at sea.  

This year’s conference features 19 speakers across three plenaries. Discussions will focus on issues shaping the future of maritime safety, including lessons learned from past incidents, and the human element in ensuring safety as the industry transforms. A new Safety@Sea Community Conversations event will also bring together representatives from shipping companies, regional ferry operators, harbour craft operators and terminal operators to share their experiences and efforts in fostering a safety culture in their organisations. 

Over 1,800 participants from more than 40 countries are expected to participate in the week’s sessions. Other highlights include the Responders Plus Programme (RPP) Maritime Workshop jointly organised by MPA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, and two safety forums organised by the MPA-Harbour Craft and MPA-Pleasure Craft Safety Work Groups to promote safety awareness and best practices within the local maritime community. 

MPA is also enhancing safety across other areas of port operations. In collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine and CBS Ventures, MPA and the partners will complete Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone trials for delivery and retrieval operations from bunker tankers later this week. 

The use of drones reduces reliance on harbour craft for such operations, improving efficiency while reducing pollution and congestion. 

It also minimises safety risks by removing the need for crew to handle and transfer heavy items between the ship and shore using harbour craft. Safety considerations, including the management of electrostatic discharge risks during the drone operations, are carefully reviewed in preparation for the trials. 

Findings from these trials will inform the development of safety protocols and an operational framework to support the phased implementation of this new maritime service.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 15 July 2025

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Newbuilding

China: Steel cutting ceremony for methanol bunkering tanker “Lucia Cosulich” held

A steel cutting ceremony was held for the 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

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Lucia Cosulich

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

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