Methanol

Methanol Institute: Global expansion and strategic partnerships (Week 39, 23 to 29 Sept 2024)

This week saw new agreements on building green corridors, additional bunkering capacity, new and supersized vessel orders; MI also released research on EU regulations impact on cost of renewable methanol.

Published

8 months ago

October 3, 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 methanol as a marine fuel market is all about growth and opportunity this week. New agreements on building green corridors, additional bunkering capacity, new and supersized vessel orders dominated the news agenda. The Methanol Institute also made the news, releasing research it commissioned into the impact of EU regulations on the cost of renewable methanol. The work demonstrates that regulation will be an efficient mechanism for closing the price gap, making e and bio-methanol cost competitive for buyers in step with regulatory deadlines.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 39 of 2024:

Shenzhen and Long Beach Ports Partner to Advance Bunkering Technologies Through MoU

Date: September 23, 2024

Key Points:

The ports of Long Beach and Shenzhen have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing new bunkering technologies, including green methanol, and establishing zero-carbon ro-ro terminals. The agreement aims to promote sustainable infrastructure within the maritime industry through technical exchanges, joint projects, and cleaner vessel initiatives. This partnership sets a foundation for future advancements in decarbonizing maritime trade across the Pacific Rim.

John T Essberger Expands Fleet with Order for Methanol-Powered Chemical Tankers

Date: September 25, 2024

Key Points:

John T Essberger has placed an order for two 13,000 DWT methanol-fuelled chemical tankers at the Rainbow shipyard in Nantong, China. The order includes an option for four additional vessels of the same type, with delivery scheduled for April 2027. The newbuilds will be equipped with dual-fuel engines, reflecting the company’s commitment to enhancing its fleet’s technical standards amidst challenges in shipyard capacity and rising construction costs. This move is part of Essberger’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet with advanced and sustainable technologies.

New ARA Methanol Bunkering Partnership Expands Green Fuel Infrastructure in Northwest Europe

Date: September 25, 2024

Key Points:

TankMatch and Evos have launched a partnership to establish methanol bunkering operations at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub. Evos plans to increase its storage capacity by adding five new tanks, totalling 13,500 m³, and build a new berth for bunker barges up to 135m long. This collaboration aims to integrate storage and bunkering services across the ARA region, enhancing the availability of bio-, e-, and grey methanol for vessels and supporting green fuel adoption across Northwest Europe.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Upsizes Shaper Class Vessels to Create World’s Largest PCTCs

Date: September 25, 2024

Key Points:

Wallenius Wilhelmsen is upsizing four of its twelve Shaper Class pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) under construction at Jinling Shipyard, increasing their capacity from 9,300 to around 11,700 CEU, making them the world’s largest PCTCs. The upsizing strategy aims to optimize cargo capacity, reduce costs, and support the company’s net-zero emissions goal. The vessels will also be equipped with methanol-capable engines, allowing them to operate on both conventional and alternative fuels, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals and preparing for future methanol use.

EU Regulations Set to Increase Methanol Bunker Demand for Maritime Shipping

Date: September 26, 2024

Key Points:

The Methanol Institute anticipates a surge in demand for methanol bunker fuel driven by new EU regulations, including the FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). The regulations aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and impose penalties on conventional fuel usage, encouraging shipowners to switch to bio- or e-methanol as a compliance measure. The EU’s phased implementation will narrow the price gap between methanol and traditional fuels, positioning methanol as a viable alternative in the shipping sector.

BMT and Strategic Marine Unveil New Methanol-Ready StratCat35 Crew Transfer Vessel

Date: September 26, 2024

Key Points:

BMT and Strategic Marine have introduced the StratCat35, a 35-meter Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) designed for offshore wind operations. The vessel, which debuted at WindEnergy Hamburg, features a hybrid propulsion system with a methanol-ready configuration, enhanced deck space, and BMT’s Z-Bow hull for superior seakeeping. This project marks a significant step in advancing the operational capabilities and sustainability of CTVs in the offshore wind sector.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 3 October, 2024

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Methanol

European Commission clears acquisition of OCI methanol business by Methanex

Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active.

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2025

Admin

European Commission clears acquisition of OCI methanol business by Methanex

The European Commission on Wednesday (14 May) said it has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of the global methanol business of Netherlands-based OCI Global by Canada’s Methanex Corporation.

EC said the transaction relates primarily to the market for the production and supply of methanol.

“The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active,” it said.

“In particular, the Commission examined the effects of the transaction on the supply of methanol in the European Economic Area (EEA).”

The EC found that the transaction does not raise concerns given the fragmented nature of this market in the EEA, and the existence of several alternative providers to which customers could switch following the transaction.

“The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure,” it added.

Manifold Times previously reported Methanex entering a definitive agreement to acquire OCI’s international methanol business for USD 2.05 billion.

The transaction includes OCI’s interest in two world-scale methanol facilities in Beaumont, Texas, one of which also produces ammonia. The transaction also includes a low-carbon methanol production and marketing business and a currently idled methanol facility in the Netherlands.

In 2023, Maersk signed a deal with OCI on the delivery of green bio-methanol for the maiden journey of its first methanol-enabled container vessel.

Note: More information is available on the EC’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.11812.

Photo credit: OCI Global
Published: 16 May, 2025

Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future.

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024.

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event.

Speakers will be from

IMO
European Commission
U.S. Coast Guard
China MSA
Financial Institutions
Maritime Research Institutes
Solution & Technology Providers
Shipowners
Shipyards
Classification Societies

Key topics

Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
Decarbonization Through Digitalization
Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
Methanol As a Marine Fuel
Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
Wind Propulsion Technology
Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected]

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here.

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025