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

Integration of methanol bunkering into the shipping industry continues to gather pace with more vessels being considered for conversion and bunkering operations growing in sophistication.
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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:

The integration of methanol bunkering into the shipping industry continues to gather pace with more vessels being considered for conversion and bunkering operations growing in sophistication. Supply is continuing to gather pace with established facilities adding volumes and new ones approaching final investment decision.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 49 of 2024:

Scandlines and Caterpillar Motoren Sign MoU to Explore E-Methanol Conversion for Rostock-Gedser Ferries

Date: December 2, 2024

Key Points:

Danish-German ferry operator Scandlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caterpillar Motoren to analyse the conversion of its Rostock-Gedser hybrid ferries’ MaK diesel engines to operate on e-methanol. This initiative aligns with Scandlines’ commitment to achieving zero direct emissions in its ferry operations by 2040.

The proposed conversion aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions using e-methanol produced from renewable energy sources to potentially lower emissions by up to 95% under optimal conditions.

Currently, Scandlines employs a combination of diesel engines, battery power, and wind-assisted propulsion on the Rostock-Gedser route. However, to fully eliminate emissions, the company is exploring additional technologies. 

VPS Observes Rising Adoption of Methanol as Marine Fuel

Date: December 3, 2024

Key Points:

Marine fuel testing and inspection company Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has reported a significant increase in the adoption of methanol as an alternative marine fuel.

As of 2023, 539 newbuild vessels capable of operating on low-to-zero carbon fuels have been ordered, representing 45% of all orders by gross tonnage. Among these, methanol-capable ships are gaining traction, with 39 currently in operation and an additional 262 on order. This shift is driven by stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions such as SOx, NOx, particulate matter, CO₂, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

VPS has proactively invested in laboratory equipment and staff training to support the industry’s transition to methanol. In the summer of 2023, VPS partnered with Maersk during the maiden voyage of the Laura Maersk, conducting surveys, sampling, and testing of methanol bunkers in Singapore, Port Said and Rotterdam.

This collaboration required enhanced health and safety protocols, thorough tank cleaning, the use of closed-sampling devices and testing of biofuel as the pilot fuel. All tests adhered to the International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA) specifications, with results meeting the required standards across all three loadings.

The adoption of methanol as a marine fuel is gaining momentum, with promising opportunities ahead. 

While methanol has a lower energy content than traditional fossil fuels and green methanol production is still scaling up, these challenges are being addressed as the industry invests in its future. Growing demand is driving cost competitiveness, and an increasing number of ports are now offering methanol bunkering services.

Forestal del Atlántico Advances 40,000 MT/Year Synthetic Methanol Plant in Spain

Date: December 6, 2024

Key Points:

Forestal del Atlántico, a Spanish shipping and chemicals company, is progressing with its Triskelion project—a synthetic methanol production facility in Mugardos, Galicia. The plant is designed to produce 40,000 metric tons of e-methanol annually by capturing and utilizing approximately 56,000 metric tons of CO₂ each year. The e-methanol is intended for applications in the shipping and chemicals industries.

The project has secured a €49 million grant from the European Union Emissions Trading System’s Innovation Fund in 2023, underscoring its significance in advancing sustainable fuel technologies.

Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, has been selected as the technology provider and engineering partner for the Triskelion project. Topsoe will supply its e-methanol reactor and catalyst technologies, along with engineering support, which are integral to meeting the project’s e-methanol production goals.

The final investment decision is anticipated in June 2025, with the plant expected to commence operations in January 2028.

CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu Completes Inaugural Methanol Bunkering in Taizhou

Date: December 6, 2024

Key Points:

On November 30, 2024, CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu successfully conducted its first onshore methanol bunkering operation by delivering 79.5 metric tonnes of methanol to the newly built 1,300 TEU dual-fuel container ship, NCL VESTLAND, at the Sanfu Shipbuilding yard in Taizhou, China.

This operation utilized a mobile methanol filling skid, a collaborative development between CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu and COSCO (Lianyungang) Liquid Loading & Unloading Equipment Co., Ltd. The equipment facilitated a vehicle-to-ship transfer, completing the process in 2.5 hours.

The mobile methanol filling skid operates using a pump as its power source, enabling simultaneous loading and unloading. It comprises several integrated functional modules, ensuring a safe and efficient transfer of methanol from tankers to the vessel’s fuel bunker, while also allowing for seamless operation and intelligent management. The system offers flexibility, requires low initial investment, and boasts a rapid bunkering rate of 180 cubic meters per hour.

To ensure smooth execution, CHIMBUSCO Jiangsu conducted numerous coordination meetings focusing on methanol fuel handling, safety assurance plans, and emergency response strategies. A detailed methanol bunkering operation guide was also compiled.

 

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 12 December, 2024

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Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 mt annually.

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July 20, 2026

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Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Ship design and engineering service provider Western Baltic Engineering on Thursday (16 July) showcased its latest concept design for a green methanol bunkering vessel, developed for the operational needs of the Port of Klaipėda.

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually. 

“It is Western Baltic Engineering’s first concept dedicated exclusively to green methanol bunkering, expanding our portfolio of alternative-fuel vessel solutions,” the company said in a social media post.

“Building on our experience in methanol-ready vessel design, it reflects our continued focus on enabling the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”

“As the maritime sector evolves, engineering companies have a responsibility not only to respond to market needs but also to anticipate future challenges,” said Marius Arkusauskas, Director at Western Baltic Engineering.

“By exploring emerging technologies and alternative fuel applications, we help our partners prepare for the next generation of maritime operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

 

Photo credit: Western Baltic Engineering
Published: 20 July, 2026

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China launches methanol shipping supply chain alliance to accelerate green transition

Marine fuel suppliers in the alliance include Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales, China Marine Bunker (PetroChina), SIPG Energy (Shanghai), and Shenzhen Port Energy Development.
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July 17, 2026

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China Waterborne Transport Research Institute under the Ministry of Transport and China Transport News recently jointly launched a Methanol Fuel Shipping Supply Chain Innovation Alliance with 20 organisations spanning the shipping, port, energy, equipment, research and industry association sectors.

The alliance was officially announced during the main event of China Maritime Day 2026 on 11 July, where members also released a joint initiative to develop a collaborative methanol-fuelled shipping supply chain.

The alliance aims to implement China’s national strategy for green economic transformation and support the Ministry of Transport’s “One Network, Four Modernisations” initiative by building a safe, efficient, economical and reliable methanol marine fuel supply chain

Under the joint initiative, alliance members pledged to align with China’s national decarbonisation strategy by promoting methanol as a key pathway for the shipping sector’s green transition and optimising the industry’s energy mix.

The members also pledged to strengthen collaboration across the supply chain to improve coordination between bunker fuel production, transportation and end users while advancing technological innovation.

Lastly, the alliance will support the development of policies, planning and technical standards, promote resource sharing and joint research, and accelerate the large-scale adoption of methanol as a marine fuel.

The alliance brings together companies and organisations representing the entire methanol shipping supply chain.

Members include shipping and port members such as China Changjiang National Shipping (Group) Corporation, COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., Shandong Port Group, and Wuhan Chuangxin Jianghai Shipping Co., Ltd.

Energy companies in the alliance include Sinopec Chemical Commercial Holding Company Limited and Methanex Corporation.

Marine fuel suppliers including Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales, China Marine Bunker (PetroChina), SIPG Energy (Shanghai) Co Ltd and Shenzhen Port Energy Development Co Ltd are also part of the alliance. 

Equipment manufacturers in the alliance are CSSC 711th Research Institute, CSSC Power (Group) Corporation Ltd and Chongqing Hongjiang Machinery Co Ltd.

Research, media and industry organisations participating in the alliance include the China Waterborne Transport Research Institute, China Transport News, and the Methanol Institute.

The Methanol Institute said methanol is moving beyond individual projects towards coordinated action across the entire value chain. 

“And China continues to play a leading role in advancing methanol as a marine fuel,” it said in a social media post.  

“We’re proud to work alongside our fellow alliance members to help strengthen the methanol supply chain and support the continued growth of methanol as a marine fuel.”

 

Photo credit: David Yu from Pixabay
Published: 17 July, 2026

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MTF releases new safety guidelines for methanol-fuelled ships

Recognising that methanol as a marine fuel remains at an early stage of adoption, the guidelines place particular emphasis on risk-based decision-making, continuous improvement and organisational agility.

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July 17, 2026

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The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) recently announced the publication of new guidelines to support companies in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and strengthening existing SMS for ships using methanol as marine fuel.

As the maritime industry accelerates its decarbonisation efforts, low-carbon methanol has emerged as one of the most scalable alternative fuel options. 

Its liquid state under ambient conditions, compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, and increasing industry adoption make methanol an attractive near-term solution. However, its toxicity, low flashpoint and invisible vapour and flame characteristics introduce new safety challenges for the maritime industry that require enhanced procedural controls and risk management measures for safe operations.

“Developed collaboratively by MTF members and industry stakeholders with expertise in methanol fuel technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the guidelines provide methanol-specific recommendations across all functional areas of an SMS,” MTF said in a statement. 

Recognising that methanol as a marine fuel remains at an early stage of adoption, the guidelines place particular emphasis on risk-based decision-making, continuous improvement and organisational agility. 

The guidelines emphasised the importance of learning from hazardous occurrences, near-misses and accidents involving methanol fuel.

The report also highlighted the importance of developing versatile SMS frameworks capable of supporting mixed-fuel operations during the transition period, where both conventional fuels and methanol may be carried and used onboard.

Human factors are identified as a critical element in ensuring safe methanol operations. The guidelines recommend that companies assess competency, training, familiarisation and resource requirements based on individual roles and responsibilities.

By providing clear, practical recommendations aligned with the ISM Code, the new MTF guidelines aim to support the safe and effective adoption of methanol as fuel while enabling the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon shipping.

Note: The new guidelines can be viewed here.

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Published: 17 July, 2026

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