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:

Bunkering of methanol continues to move forward, strengthening the supply chain for delivering cleaner fuels to the dual fuel vessels entering service and on order. Methanol has several advantages as a bunker fuel: liquid at room temperature, miscible in water and virtually eliminating pollution emissions. Safe handing protocols are in place at global ports developed by class societies and other stakeholders providing guidance to help the industry adopt lower carbon methanol.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 19 of 2024:

Liquid Wind Receives Environmental Approval for Second E-Methanol Project in Sweden

Date: May 6, 2024

Key Points: Liquid Wind has secured an environmental permit for its FlagshipTWO project, Sweden’s second large-scale e-methanol production facility, located in Sundsvall. Scheduled to begin production in 2027, FlagshipTWO will produce up to 130,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually using innovative carbon capture and utilization technology. The facility will be situated at Sundsvall Energi’s Korstaverket production site. This approval marks a significant milestone in Liquid Wind’s efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency in sectors like long-distance shipping. FlagshipTWO will become Europe’s largest e-fuel production facility, advancing the green transition. Liquid Wind’s FlagshipONE project was previously acquired by Ørsted A/S.

 Bunker Holding Partners with SyntexNRG to Develop Global Green Methanol Supply Network

Date: May 7, 2024

Key Points: Bunker Holding has entered into a strategic agreement with SyntexNRG Inc to develop and supply green methanol at its global physical supply ports. Announced in a recent statement, this partnership aligns with Bunker Holding’s recognition of methanol as a viable future fuel for the maritime industry, poised for transition to low-carbon alternatives.

Carlos Torres, the global head of methanol and strategic partnerships at Bunker Holding, emphasized the company’s evolving role in facilitating the entry of new fuel producers and consolidating supply across various locations to meet international demand.

The move comes as part of Bunker Holding’s broader strategy to engage more actively in the methanol bunker market, responding to the growing popularity of methanol as a marine fuel and the ongoing challenge of scaling up green methanol production to meet emerging demands.

 Methanol Institute Advocates for Inclusion of Biomethanol in EU’s Union Database at RNG Summit 2024

Date: May 8, 2024

Key Points: At the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition’s RNG Summit 2024, Larry Navin, the VP of External Affairs at Methanol Institute (MI), participated in a discussion panel about the EU’s Union Database for Biofuels (UDB) on May 8th, 2024.

The summit serves as a key policy forum for the renewable gas industry, offering updates on legislation and regulation, and promoting advocacy and networking among members. During the panel, which included executives from OCI and Iogen, concerns were raised regarding the UDB’s current policy that excludes certification of biomethane and biomethanol produced through mass balance chain of custody in third-party countries outside of EU gas grids.

Navin highlighted the broad collaboration among stakeholders like MI, RNG Coalition, and Eurogas to engage with US and EU authorities to find solutions for including these biofuels in the UDB.

Fratelli Cosulich Enhances Singapore Fleet with Biofuel and Methanol-Capable Tanker

Date: May 9, 2024

Key Points:

Marine fuel supplier and trading firm Fratelli Cosulich, has expanded its bunker delivery fleet in Singapore by adding a new ship capable of transporting both biofuels and methanol. The IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker, named Marta Cosulich, has been received by the company and is en route to Singapore.

This vessel can handle methanol and biofuel blends with up to 100% biofuel content, enhancing the company’s commitment to meet stringent delivery standards set by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) under the Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Bunkering (SS648). This addition is part of Fratelli Cosulich’s strategy to bolster its fleet in one of the world’s busiest ports.

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 17 May 2024