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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

Singapore-based ONE names sixth ammonia/methanol-ready vessel in Japan

Following the successful integration of “ONE Sparkle” – ONE’s first owned newbuilding – and subsequent sister vessels, “ONE Singapore” will strengthen the company’s service offerings on trade lanes.
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June 18, 2025

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Singapore: ONE names sixth ammonia/methanol-ready vessel in Japan

Singapore-headquartered Ocean Network Express (ONE) on Tuesday (17 June) announced the naming of ONE Singapore, the sixth vessel in a series of 20 ammonia/methanol ready container vessels. 

The naming ceremony took place at the Hiroshima Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan, marking another milestone in ONE’s fleet expansion program.

The 13,900 TEU vessel, which is methanol and ammonia-ready, is another demonstration of ONE’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices. 

Following the successful integration of ONE Sparkle – ONE’s first owned newbuilding – and subsequent sister vessels, ONE Singapore will strengthen the company’s service offerings on the trade lanes where it will be deployed.

Jeremy Nixon, CEO, said: “Today’s naming of ONE Singapore signifies further progress in our fleet expansion strategy. This vessel, carrying the name of our global headquarters city, symbolises our strong connection to Singapore’s vibrant maritime ecosystem.”

“As we deploy this vessel into service, we continue to build upon ONE’s strong commitment to Singapore, in its prime position as the leading global international maritime centre.”

ONE Singapore represents the continued execution of ONE’s strategy to build a more sustainable and efficient fleet. The vessel is classed LR and Singapore flagged. 

 

Photo credit: Imabari Shipbuilding
Published: 18 June, 2025

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Newbuilding

NYK Group’s first methanol-fuelled bulk carrier “Green Future” delivered

Vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.
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June 17, 2025

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Green Future MT

NYK Group on 13 May received delivery of Green Future, the company’s first methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier, at the TSUNEISHI Factory of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. where a naming and delivery ceremony was also held, it said on Thursday (14 June).

The vessel will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd., an NYK Group company, from KAMBARA KISEN Co., Ltd.

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

“Methanol has a lower environmental impact than fuel oil, and by using bio-methanol and e-methanol produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and recovered carbon dioxide, the vessel achieves significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” it said.

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

Related: Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK
Related: Japan: NYK to time-charter its first methanol-fuelled bulk carrier

 

Photo credit: NYK Group
Published: 17 June 2025

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Research

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center shares concept design of 3,500 TEU ammonia-fuelled containership

Concept design was optimised to achieve the required safety level while also limiting reductions in cargo capacity.
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June 17, 2025

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Maersk concept ammonia vessel

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping on Thursday (12 June) unveiled a report focusing on the concept design of a 3,500 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) ammonia-fuelled container vessel.

The study presents a detailed concept design of a 3,500 TEU container feeder, developed with a focus on ammonia system design principles.

The concept design was optimised to achieve the required safety level while also limiting reductions in cargo capacity. As a result, this design concept marks an advancement in technically qualifying ammonia as a viable maritime fuel.

“Although the concept design is an important first step in qualifying a fuel pathway, the final design and operational details must ultimately deliver a safe vessel,” it stated.

“We addressed this aspect early in our design process with reference to the technical safety barriers listed above. We confirmed the concept design’s ability to achieve an acceptable safety level through a HAZID, hazard and operability study (HAZOP), and QRA.

“These processes have resulted in two Approvals in Principle of the concept design awarded by ABS and Lloyd’s Register (LR).”

Note: The full report concept design of a 3,500 TEU ammonia-fuelled container vessel may be downloaded here.

 

Photo credit: Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
Published: 17 June 2025

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