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