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Methanol Institute: Methanol fuel innovations and expansions (Week 28, 8 to 14 July 2024)

This week, advancements in methanol as a marine fuel included new additives reducing the need for pilot fuel, new eco-friendly tankers, and methanol-powered feeder ships in Rotterdam.

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Methanol Institute: Progress and milestones in methanol adoption (Week 49, 2 to 8 Dec 2024)

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:

Technology around the use of methanol as a marine fuel has continued to move forward, with the latest developments including an additive which removes the need for pilot fuel, further saving carbon emissions. Elsewhere, bunker networks, fuel transport and cargo capacity using cleaner methanol has continued to expand.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 28 of 2024:

Terntank orders Fifth Eco-Friendly Tanker with Methanol and Wind Propulsion

Date: July 8, 2024

Key Points:

Terntank has placed an order for a fifth vessel featuring wind-assisted propulsion and methanol fuel capabilities from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. Scheduled for delivery between March 2025 and July 2027, the 15,000 DWT chemical and product tanker aims to enhance environmental performance. The company emphasized the benefits of these technologies, including reduced emissions and expanded shore power usage, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable shipping practices.

Fratelli Cosulich Orders Two New Bunker Vessels with Methanol and Biofuel Capabilities

Date: July 8, 2024

Key Points:

Fratelli Cosulich has ordered two 7,999 DWT bunker delivery vessels from Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding, capable of handling methanol, biofuel, and fuel oil. The first ship is expected in early 2026. This move reflects the company's commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. Methanol, known for its ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is a focal point of this initiative, supporting the transition to cleaner marine fuels.

X-Press Feeders Launches Methanol-Powered Feeder Ships in Rotterdam

Date: July 10, 2024

Key Points:

X-Press Feeders has introduced its first methanol-fueled ship, Eco-Maestro, in Rotterdam, launching Europe's first scheduled feeder network powered by green methanol. The network, comprising 14 ships, will operate routes in Northern Europe with methanol bunkering exclusively in Rotterdam. This initiative aims to support sustainable shipping and help companies achieve environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

WinGD Completes Successful Tests on New Short-Stroke Methanol-Compatible Engine

Date: July 11, 2024

Key Points:

WinGD has successfully completed testing of its new X52-S2.0 short-stroke engine at the Yuchai Marine Power Co facility. This engine, now type-approved, is available in diesel, LNG, and methanol configurations, with an ammonia option in development. It features a compact design and high fuel efficiency, making it suitable for smaller vessels. The engine's methanol compatibility underscores its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable maritime practices.

Infineum Explores Methanol Fuels for Heavy-Duty and Marine Engines with Innovative Additives

Date: July 11, 2024

Key Points: 

Paul Cooper and Joanna Hughes of Gane Energy spoke to Infineum Insight to discuss the advantages of methanol as fuel for heavy-duty and marine engines and how fuel additives can help to overcome some of the challenges.

One of the issues associated with methanol – in common with many alternative fuels  in marine applications – has been the need to use a pilot fuel to ignite it in the engine. Gane Energy has developed performance additives to methanol fuel, overcoming challenges like lubricity and corrosion. Their approach also eliminates the need for a diesel pilot fuel by converting methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) for ignition.

As the use of methanol grows in various transportation applications, the use of high quality fuel additives will be vital to ensure hardware protection, according to Infineum.

 

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 19 July, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

Meyer Werft and partners kick off green methanol fuel cells project for cruise ship

Project’s core goal is for DLR to create large scale fuel cell stacks and Freudenberg e-Power Systems to create fuel cell systems that can be retrofitted on existing cruise ships.

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Meyer Werft and partners kick off green methanol fuel cells project for cruise ship

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft recently said it launched the zero4cruise project at Freudenberg e-Power Systems in Munich, together with project partners Freudenberg e-Power Systems and German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Building on previous developments, zero4cruise focuses on fuel cell technology powered by green methanol, according to the company.

“The project addresses a critical challenge for the maritime industry: developing climate-friendly and low emission energy systems for cruise ships,” it said in a social media post. 

The project’s core goal is for DLR to create large scale fuel cell stacks and Freudenberg e-Power Systems to create fuel cell systems that can be retrofitted on existing ships. 

“This retrofit approach is key to accelerating the decarbonisation of the cruise sector, which is vital given the long operational lifespans of vessels,” it said. 

The hybrid energy system will combine PEM fuel cells with a methanol reformer and battery systems to optimize efficiency and ensure ships can operate carbon-neutral in ports and coastal areas.

“zero4cruise is not just about new technologies—it’s about creating practical, scalable solutions that can transform existing fleets into sustainable vessels, ensuring that ships in harbours and coastal areas can operate with low emissions,” Meyer Werft added.

 

Photo credit: Meyer Werft
Published: 6 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Fuel cells with methanol reformer tech can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines, says Dr. Andreas Bodén.

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PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of fuel cell systems developer PowerCell shares with Manifold Times the potential of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer technology as a solution in maritime industry’s transition towards net-zero-emission: 

 As the maritime industry transitions towards net-zero emissions, renewable fuels have been at the forefront in advancing sustainable shipping. According to Hydrogen Europe’s “Long-term outlook on zero-emission mobility” survey, e-fuels hold the most promise for various ship types, including ferries, cruise ships, and container vessels. 

Among these e-fuel options, methanol reformer technology is emerging as a potential solution in this transition. This technology can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, enabling proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with 30% greater efficiency than internal combustion engines, paving the way for compact, high-power, and net-zero energy solutions without relying on pure hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen, often dubbed the building block of the energy transition, emerges as a viable option for certain vessels with fixed or shorter routes, such as passenger ferries and service vessels. However, its practicality for wider-scale use in deep-sea shipping has significant challenges related to supply of green molecules and energy density, as well as storage, transport, and handling.

Methanol addresses these challenges by serving as an easy and efficient liquid hydrogen carrier. It is easy to handle, store, and transport at ambient temperature and pressure. By serving as a hydrogen carrier, methanol overcomes the logistical obstacles of hydrogen fuel while still enabling the use of high-efficiency fuel cells. This symbiosis positions methanol and fuel cells as key players in scaling renewable fuels for the maritime industry. 

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of PowerCell

Efficient use of scarce resources

Green fuels like renewable methanol face significant hurdles, from scaling production to securing offtake agreements. Marine economist Dr. Martin Stopford warns that shipping might lag behind other sectors, such as road transport and chemicals, in accessing renewable fuels. At the same time, the Methanol Institute tracks nearly 90 green methanol projects aiming to produce 9 million tons annually by 2027, some of which will benefit the marine industry.

Despite the level of optimism, renewable methanol will be a scarce and a costly resource for the foreseeable future. Lloyd’s Register estimates its initial cost at around $1,000 per ton, which is significantly higher than conventional fuels. Shipowners must therefore maximise efficiency, reducing the volume of renewable fuel required and mitigating operating expenses.

Methanol’s energy density surpasses hydrogen and ammonia but falls short of hydrocarbon fuels. Lloyd’s Register highlights that ship operators would require two and a half times more methanol than traditional fuel oil for equivalent energy output. This disparity underscores the necessity of adopting more efficient propulsion systems.

Fuel cells: A pathway to efficiency

Fuel cells with methanol reformer technology offer a solution. These systems can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines. PEM fuel cells which can use this technology stand out for their compact size, efficiency, and high-power density. These technologies enable net-zero energy generation without the need for pure hydrogen infrastructure.

For smaller vessels like ferries and towboats, fuel cells can serve as the primary propulsion system, reducing renewable methanol consumption by up to 30%. Larger ships, such as container vessels, can use fuel cells to power auxiliary engines, eliminating emissions from fossil-fuel generators during port operations. Renewable methanol further curbs nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, while eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. These benefits can be enhanced when using an internal combustion engine (ICE) or a fuel cell with reformer technology specifically designed to reduce local pollutants. 

Beyond methanol, fuel cell reformer technology can be developed for ammonia. This adaptability offers a pathway to the efficient use of ammonia as a future zero-carbon solution. This flexibility also allows shipowners to adopt renewable methanol now and transition to other fuels as they become viable.

Balancing sustainability and efficiency

The IMO’s revised GHG strategy targets net-zero emissions for international shipping by 2050, with interim milestones for 2030 and 2040. Achieving these goals requires efficient use of renewable fuels and innovative propulsion systems. PowerCell’s Methanol to Power Solution, M2Power 250, exemplifies the potential to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. 

As the maritime industry is responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions, fuel cells with methanol reformers represent a practical solution. Whether powering smaller vessels or auxiliary systems on deep-sea ships, this technology bridges the gap between the current fuel limitations and the future of sustainable shipping. 

The marine industry must embrace innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions. Fuel cell technology, with its unparalleled efficiency and fuel optionality, positions many shipowners best to navigate the challenges of the energy transition. 

 

Photo credit: PowerCell
Published: 6 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

While LNG and methanol markets are maturing, DNV sees that shipowners are diversifying their fuel options and exploring other bunker fuels such as ammonia, says Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director.

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DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

Latest figures from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform saw a total of 12 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels were placed in January 2025, marking a continuation of the trend towards the fuel in the second half of 2024. 

DNV said all new orders placed came from the container segment. 

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “Although we have seen fewer orders for alternative-fueled vessels in January compared to other months, it follows a record-breaking year in 2024, and  the overall outlook continues to be encouraging.  

“The orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG, indicating a continuation of trends from the second half of last year.

“In addition, the dominance of container vessels in the orderbook indicates that demands from cargo owners and consumers for more sustainable practices remain heavily influential in driving the uptake of alternative-fueled vessels.

“While LNG and methanol markets are maturing, with increasing numbers of vessels being ordered and delivered, we also see that shipowners are diversifying their fuel options and exploring other fuels, such as ammonia.”

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 4 February, 2025

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