Methanol Institute: Methanol Advancements and Industry Updates (Week 31, 29 July to 4 Aug 2024)
- Published
by 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:
This week, TFG Marine announced the introduction of methanol bunker delivery vessels starting late 2024, and MAN PrimeServ revealed retrofit packages for methanol dual-fuel engines. Cepsa expanded its 2G biofuel production to meet the growing demand for low-carbon fuels, and Höegh Autoliners prepared the world’s largest methanol-ready car carrier, Höegh Aurora, for its maiden voyage. These developments reflect significant strides in the maritime industry’s transition towards sustainable fuels and decarbonization efforts.
Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 31 of 2024:
TFG Marine to Introduce Methanol Bunker Delivery Vessels Starting Late 2024
Date: July 29, 2024
Key Points:
TFG Marine is set to enhance its operations in Singapore with the addition of four new 6,500 DWT bunker delivery vessels, capable of handling methanol, starting from late 2024. These vessels, under construction at Merchants Jinling shipyard in China, will feature mass flow meters and will also handle conventional bunkers and biofuel blends. This move aligns with TFG Marine’s strategy to modernize its fleet with low-carbon fuel options, supporting the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts. Kenneth Dam, global head of bunkering, emphasized the role of methanol and other alternative fuels in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
MAN to Offer Methanol Retrofits for Four-Stroke Engines Starting 2025
Date: July 30, 2024
Key Points:
MAN PrimeServ, the after-sales brand of MAN Energy Solutions, will begin offering retrofit packages in 2025 for converting existing MAN four-stroke engines to dual-fuel methanol operation. The conversion, starting with the MAN 48/60 engines to the MAN 51/60DF type, has been tested at MAN’s Augsburg facility since mid-2024. This initiative aims to provide a climate-neutral shipping solution using green methanol, which offers high energy density suitable for four-stroke applications. The retrofit package promises enhanced engine efficiency and a favourable ROI, supporting the maritime industry’s shift towards sustainable fuels.
Cepsa Expands 2G Biofuel Production to Meet Growing Demand for Low-Carbon Marine Fuels
Date: July 31, 2024
Key Points:
Energy firm Cepsa is advancing its decarbonization strategy with the production and supply of second-generation (2G) biofuel blends, crucial for meeting the maritime sector’s demand for lower-carbon fuels. The construction of the largest 2G biofuels plant in southern Europe, a €1.2 billion project with Bio-Oils, will double production capacity to one million tons by 2026. Cepsa’s efforts include the first 100% HVO biofuel bunkering at Algeciras and the development of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley, supporting green ammonia and methanol production to facilitate the global energy transition and maritime decarbonization.
Höegh Aurora: World’s Largest Car Carrier Prepares for Maiden Voyage
Date: August 7, 2024
Key Points:
Höegh Autoliners is set to launch Höegh Aurora, the world’s largest methanol-capable pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), following a naming ceremony. The Aurora class vessels, designed by Deltamarin and built by China Merchants Heavy Industry, boast 14 decks and can carry up to 9,100 CEU, including electric vehicles. These eco-friendly ships feature MAN Energy Solutions’ multi-fuel engines, ready for LNG, ammonia, and methanol, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Höegh Aurora, the first of 12 vessels, will start commercial operations soon, with deliveries continuing biannually.
Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 8 August, 2024
