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:

Growth is accelerating in regional methanol bunkering capacity and demand for biofuel and e-methanol as shipping companies continue to recognise the benefits in their sustainability strategies. At the same time, policymakers are considering how to support shipowners in the adoption of alternative fuels within green corridor projects that will seek to lower emissions on key transport routes in European waters.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 42 of 2024:

Pertamina Plans to Introduce B24 Biofuel and Methanol Bunker Supply in Singapore by 2025

Date: October 14, 2024

Key Points:

Pertamina, Indonesia’s state energy company, announced plans to introduce B24 biofuel and methanol as bunker fuel in Singapore by mid-2025. Currently in the planning stage, the initiative aims to expand their marine fuel supply offerings beyond their existing B30 and B35 biofuel blends in Indonesia. Pertamina is still evaluating whether a dedicated bunker delivery vessel for methanol will be required for these operations.

X-Press Feeders Targets Transition to E-Methanol Fleet within 3-5 Years

Date: October 16, 2024

Key Points:

X-Press Feeders is planning to transition part of its fleet to e-methanol within the next three-to-five years as part of its net-zero emissions strategy. The company has already ordered 14 methanol-powered vessels, with full delivery expected by 2025. Initially, these ships will run on biomethanol, with plans to convert two to four vessels to e-methanol within the same period. This initiative is aligned with X-Press Feeders’ broader goal to reduce emissions and promote sustainable shipping.

ONE Reduces Scope 1 Emissions by 62% and Invests in Green Shipping Initiatives

Date: October 16, 2024

Key Points:

Ocean Network Express (ONE) achieved a 62% reduction in Scope 1 emissions intensity in FY2023 compared to its 2008 baseline, according to data included in its 2024 Sustainability Report. The company also received approval in principle for ammonia dual-fuel vessels and invested in 13,000 TEU methanol-powered ships, set for delivery in 2027. These new vessels will include advanced features like optimized hulls, waste heat recovery and air lubrication systems, aligning with ONE’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

UK Maritime Minister Unveils £8 Million in Funding for Green Shipping Projects and Feasibility Studies

Date: October 17, 2024

Key Points:

UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane unveiled £8 million in funding to support 30 maritime decarbonisation projects through the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF). The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5) also granted £640,958 for feasibility studies on green shipping corridors between the UK and Europe. These corridors include routes from the UK to the Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, and Denmark. Methanol-fuelled vessels are among the key technologies being developed, reflecting the UK’s focus on advancing sustainable fuels in shipping to meet its net-zero targets.

UK-Ireland Green Shipping Corridor Progresses with Grant

Date: October 18, 2024

Key Points:

Stena Line’s proposed green shipping corridor between Holyhead and Dublin, named “Greening the Irish Sea – The Central Corridor,” has advanced with £122,303 in funding from the International Green Corridor Fund (IGCF). The project aims to assess the potential of e-methanol as an alternative fuel for vessels operated by Stena Line and Irish Ferries. A six-month study will evaluate infrastructure and environmental impacts, potentially establishing the first green shipping route between the UK and Ireland, with a focus on decarbonizing maritime trade through alternative fuels.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 24 October, 2024