Methanol

Methanol Institute: Expanding market influence and technological advancements (Week 37, 9 to 15 Sept 2024)

Shipping industry’s engagement with alternative fuels and methanol in particular took another step forward with creation of Clean Maritime Fuels Platform and Methanex acquiring OCI Global’s methanol business.

Published

2 years ago

September 18, 2024

Admin

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 shipping industry’s engagement with alternative fuels and methanol in particular took another step forward with the creation of the Clean Maritime Fuels Platform, a collaboration which seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of clean fuels.

Demand for clean methanol is set to increase as international navies look to adopt alternatives in their support fleets, potentially dramatically increasing demand alongside merchant maritime users who continue to place orders for methanol capable vessels.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 37 of 2024:

Methanex to Acquire OCI Global’s Methanol Business in $2.05 Billion Deal

Date: September 9, 2024

Key Points:

Leading methanol producer and MI member company OCI Global has agreed to sell its methanol business to Methanex for $2.05 billion. The deal includes cash and Methanex shares and is expected to be finalized by mid-2025. The acquisition will significantly strengthen Methanex’s global methanol production capacity, especially in Beaumont, Texas, and the Netherlands, supporting the company’s leadership in the low-carbon methanol market.

Navies Explore Alternative Fuels Amid Growing Decarbonization Efforts

Date: September 9, 2024

Key Points:

International navies are increasingly considering alternative fuels including biofuels, methanol, and hydrogen to lower their carbon emissions. Although combat vessels may not be the first adopters, non-combat support ships are likely to adopt alternative fuels as logistics and fuel availability evolve. Research teams and defense contractors are actively developing technologies for low-carbon fuels, including methanol, to enhance naval operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Leonhardt & Blumberg Orders Four Methanol-Ready MR Tankers for Future Conversion

Date: September 10, 2024

Key Points:

Germany’s Leonhardt & Blumberg has placed an order for four 49,500 DWT methanol-ready MR tankers from Guangzhou Shipyard International in China. The vessels, equipped with open-loop scrubbers and designed for future methanol dual-fuel conversion, are set for delivery starting January 2027. This investment aligns with the shipping industry’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and supporting compliance with NOx Tier III and EEDI Phase 3 standards.

Maritime Industry Confidence Grows Amid Transformative Challenges

Date: September 10, 2024

Key Points:

Despite the challenges of decarbonization, evolving regulations, and geopolitical instability, confidence within the maritime industry is rising. The 2023-2024 ICS Barometer Report reveals increasing investments in low-carbon solutions such as methanol, biofuels, and hydrogen. The sector remains confident in its operational agility despite climate risks and regulatory pressures. Key factors influencing the industry’s future include fuel availability, regulatory clarity, and the rise of alternative fuels like methanol.

Valmet Secures Methanol Retrofit Order for Two CMA CGM Container Ships

Date: September 12, 2024

Key Points:

Valmet has been awarded a contract by CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding to provide automation solutions for retrofitting onboard two CMA CGM container ships which are being converted to run on methanol. The retrofit includes a methanol control and safety system, marking Valmet’s first such automation retrofit in the Chinese marine market. This project is part of CMA CGM’s broader strategy to enhance its fleet’s sustainability by adopting low-carbon fuel technologies.

European Shipowners and Fuel Producers Collaborate to Accelerate Clean Fuel Adoption

Date: September 12, 2024

Key Points:

Leading European shipowners and fuel producers have united to form the Clean Maritime Fuels Platform. This collaboration seeks to accelerate the development and adoption of clean fuels including methanol, hydrogen, and biofuels in response to the EU’s Fit for 55 regulation, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. The joint platform will enhance industry co-ordination and address challenges related to the supply and use of low-carbon fuels in maritime operations.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 18 September, 2024

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Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

Published

14 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement.

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026

Alternative Fuels

Germany launches EUR 70 million funding programme for green inland shipping corridors

Eligible projects include the installation of zero- or low-emission propulsion systems on newbuild and existing cargo vessels, as well as investments in port infrastructure for alternative fuels.

Published

14 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Germany’s Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV) recently opened the first funding call under its new programme for green inland navigation, with up to EUR 70 million (USD 81 million) available for projects to develop green inland shipping corridors.

The funding will support the deployment of zero- and low-emission inland vessels and the development of associated infrastructure.

Eligible projects include the installation of zero- or low-emission propulsion systems on newbuild and existing cargo vessels, as well as investments in port infrastructure for alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol.

Funding will also cover facilities for producing renewable electricity and renewable hydrogen, along with storage systems. Infrastructure at transhipment and berthing facilities outside ports, including charging, refuelling and mobile supply equipment, is also eligible.

Companies, municipalities and other economically active organisations based in Germany can apply under the first funding call, which focuses exclusively on establishing green inland shipping corridors. Applications opened on 17 August through the German government’s easy-Online funding portal.

The initiative is also intended to encourage a greater shift of freight and passenger transport to inland waterways, while supporting Germany’s climate targets, European alternative-fuels infrastructure requirements and the long-term competitiveness of the country’s inland shipping sector.

Photo credit: Maxime Vandenberge on Unsplash
Published: 18 August, 2026

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 3.8% on year in July 2026

4.73 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in July, up from 4.92 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 3.8% on year in July 2026

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port fell by 3.8% on year in July 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.73 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,731,900 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in July, up from 4.92 million mt (4,918,000 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in July (against on year) recorded respectively 1.95 million mt (zero from 1.95 million mt), 2.33 million mt (-2.1% from 2.38 million mt), 1,600 mt (+100% from zero), 700 mt (-82% from 3,900 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 3.8% on year in July 2026

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in July, (against on year) recorded respectively 8,200 mt (-83.7% from 50,300 mt), 29,900 mt (-62.9% from 80,500 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 1,400 mt (-46.2% from 2,600 mt).

LNG and methanol sales were 58,700 mt (+41.4% from 41,500 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 17 August, 2026