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:

Vessels large and small are being ordered or delivered featuring Methanol as a fuel, with Stena announcing two further ropax ferry conversions and the port of Antwerp welcoming the Methatug to the harbour. Elsewhere a UK company is looking to reduce emissions with biomethanol and a study claims the country could become a leader in adoption of low carbon fuel infrastructure.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 20 of 2024:

Vopak Partners with Singapore Polytechnic for Training in Alternative Marine Fuels

Date: May 10, 2024

Key Points: Global storage firm Vopak is collaborating with Singapore Polytechnic to train faculty members of the Singapore Maritime Academy in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels, including methanol. This initiative, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to enhance maritime safety and support Singapore’s ambition to become a leading sustainable multi-fuels hub. Rob Boudestijn, President of Vopak Terminals Singapore, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals and addressing the challenges of training industry stakeholders in alternative fuel handling to achieve maritime decarbonization.

UK Operator Expands Fleet with Carbon-Reducing Ships

Date: May 13, 2024

Key Points: BG Freight Line has added four low carbon operating ships to its fleet, with the first vessel, BG Green, already deployed and the others set to follow later this year. These ships feature scrubbers for emissions abatement and use biomethanol as bunker fuel. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability. BG Freight Line, owned by Peel Ports Group, aims to be a net-zero operator by 2040. The ships will handle containerized cargo on routes between the UK, Ireland, and the Continent.

Stena Line to Convert Two More Ferries for Methanol Use

Date: May 15, 2024

Key Points: Stena Line plans to convert two more ferries, Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII, to dual-fuel propulsion systems capable of running on methanol and MGO. Partnering with Lloyd’s Register, the conversions aim to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainable shipping. Stena Line, an early adopter of methanol propulsion with the Stena Germanica, continues to see methanol as a viable alternative fuel to decarbonize its operations.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Introduces Methanol-Powered Tugboat

Date: May 16, 2024

Key Points: The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched the world’s first methanol-fuelled tugboat, Methatug. This 30m vessel can carry 12,000 liters of methanol, sufficient for two weeks of operations. Supplied by De Wit Bunkering through truck-to-ship operations, the Methatug marks a significant step in the port’s initiative to transition to alternative and renewable energy sources, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. The port hopes this project will inspire other ports to adopt similar green technologies.

UK Should Lead in Transition to Zero-Carbon Bunkers

Date: May 16, 2024

Key Points: A new report by UMAS and Arup emphasizes the UK’s potential to lead the transition to zero-carbon fuels in the shipping industry. The research suggests that shifting just 10% of fuel demand in the north-east of England and the Southampton/Portsmouth area to methanol, ammonia, or other hydrogen-derived fuels could significantly advance maritime decarbonization. While overseas production costs may be lower, the UK has an opportunity to develop critical infrastructure and become an early adopter in the zero-emission fuels market.

RFNBOs as a Sustainable Compliance Solution

Date: May 17, 2024

Key Points: According to insights provided by Glander International Bunkering, the shipping industry’s focus on short-term biofuel solutions must shift towards long-term options like synthetic LNG, methanol, and ammonia, referred to as renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). These e-fuels, made with renewable hydrogen, are crucial for achieving a zero-carbon future. The EU aims for at least 2% of shipping energy from RFNBOs by 2034, encouraging their use through favorable regulations. While costs and infrastructure pose challenges, anticipated price reductions and regulatory support are expected to facilitate their adoption.

Auramarine Secures Fuel Supply Systems Agreement in South Korea

Date: May 16, 2024

Key Points: Auramarine has partnered with South Korea’s Specs Corporation Ltd to enhance sales of its fuel supply systems, including those specialized for methanol and ammonia, for both retrofits and newbuilds. Specs Corporation will act as an official sales representative for Auramarine in South Korea. This collaboration leverages Specs’ extensive experience with engine manufacturers and shipowners, aligning with Auramarine’s vision to expand in the South Korean market.

NS United Places Order for Methanol-Fueled Bulker

Date: May 17, 2024

Key Points: Japanese shipping company NS United Kaiun Kaisha has ordered a 209,000 DWT dry bulk carrier capable of running on methanol and fuel oil, set for delivery in 2027. The vessel, to be built by Nippon Shipyard Co, Imabari Shipbuilding Co, and Japan Marine United Corporation, aims to reduce GHG emissions by over 80% using green methanol. This dual-fuel ship is a significant step towards NS United’s goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 24 May 2024