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:

The focus was firmly on Singapore last week where the world’s second biggest port recorded further methanol milestones. 

The port saw the MPA declare its readiness to support methanol bunkering at a commercial scale and industry players were ready to respond. 

The launching of a new bunker tanker, the conclusion of the first SIMOPs bunkering assessment and a further methanol as bunkers delivery demonstrate the industry’s readiness to meet the challenges of lowering emissions from shipping.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 22 of 2024:

Singapore MPA Declares Readiness for Commercial Methanol Bunkering Operations

Date: May 27, 2024

Key Points: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced its readiness to support commercial-scale methanol bunkering operations at the port. With completed safety and technical studies, Singapore is now equipped with the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. This move positions Singapore as a leading hub for alternative marine fuels, aligning with global decarbonization goals and promoting methanol as a viable, sustainable option for the maritime industry. 

Methanol Institute Names Alexander Döll as Chief Operating Officer

Date: May 28, 2024

Key Points: The Methanol Institute (MI) has appointed Alexander Döll as its new Chief Operating Officer, replacing Chris Chatterton. Döll, who will be based in Brussels, brings extensive experience from the chemical industry and energy transition sectors, having held leadership roles at OCI Global, Dow, and Hill & Knowlton. His expertise will be pivotal in advancing MI’s regional operations and engaging in global policy discussions, supporting the growing role of methanol in the energy transition.

Global Energy Completes First Methanol Marine Fuel Delivery in Singapore

Date: May 28, 2024

Key Points: Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (GET) has successfully completed its first methanol bunkering operation in Singapore. On May 24th, GET’s IMO type II bunker tanker, MT Kara, delivered approximately 1,340 metric tonnes of blended methanol to the methanol-powered tanker Stena Prosperous. This milestone marks a significant step in Singapore’s efforts to promote the use of alternative marine fuels, supporting the maritime industry’s transition towards more sustainable energy sources.

Future Mega-Boxship Orders to Focus on Alternative Bunker Fuels

Date: May 29, 2024

Key Points:According to shipping consultancy Alphaliner, all future orders for mega-boxships are expected to feature capabilities for alternative fuels such as LNG and methanol. Currently, 88% of vessels on order are designed to operate on these greener fuels, reflecting the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts. With 229 mega-boxships projected for delivery by 2028, these ships, which consume a significant portion of global bunker fuel, are set to shift from conventional oil bunkers, impacting high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) demand.

VPS Completes First SIMOPS Methanol Bunkering Assessment in Singapore

Date: May 29, 2024

Key Points: Marine fuels testing company VPS has conducted its first simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) methanol bunkering assessment in Singapore. Appointed by OCI Methanol Europe, part of the OCI Global Group, VPS performed quantity and quality assessments of methanol fuel delivery to the vessel Eco Maestro. This assessment is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to support methanol bunkering as a viable alternative fuel, reflecting the industry’s ongoing shift towards sustainable energy sources and decarbonization initiatives.

Consortium Signs MoU to Establish Green Methanol Production Facility in Egypt

Date: May 29, 2024

Key Points: AD Ports Group, Transmar, and Orascom Construction have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a green methanol storage and export facility in Egypt. This facility aims to provide low-carbon fuel for maritime transport, supporting decarbonization in the shipping industry. Green methanol, produced from renewable sources like green hydrogen, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s decarbonization goals and positions the consortium at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution.

Fratelli Cosulich Launches Methanol Bunkering Tanker in Singapore

Date: May 30, 2024

Key Points: Fratelli Cosulich has launched its new bunkering tanker, Marta Cosulich, in Singapore, capable of delivering methanol. This 8,700 m³ capacity vessel is part of the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, complementing its LNG and other emerging technologies. Following methanol bunkering trials, the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority declared readiness for commercial-scale methanol bunkering operations. Fratelli Cosulich’s fleet now includes five bunker tankers, enhancing its sustainable operations.

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 11 June, 2024