Chris Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer of 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:

Methanol’s positive progress as a marine fuel continues across the supply chain and shipping sectors, with buyers, suppliers and users all advancing plans for adoption and safe handling.

Some quarters of the industry continue to express high level issues around bunkering quality standards, training and availability – all issues that MI has either completed work on or can provide insight and support.

Elsewhere, work continues to increase the reach of methanol as a fuel and its role in lower carbon emissions. With an increasing share of the industry capable of using methanol as fuel, more designs are coming off the drawing board or achieving class approval, increasing the options for maritime industry stakeholders.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 15 of 2024:

VPS Panel Session Highlights Challenges with Methanol Bunker Fuel Adoption in Shanghai

Date: April 10, 2024

Key Points: A recent seminar organized by VPS in Shanghai focused on the use of methanol as a marine fuel, where various industry experts discussed its challenges and advancements. Key participants included representatives from Chimbusco, the Methanol Institute, Green Marine Group, VPS, DNV, and GARD. They covered topics such as the limited availability of green methanol, the need for methanol bunkering standards, and the importance of safety and training in handling new fuels. Chimbusco highlighted efforts to improve methanol supply at ports and develop quality standards. The Methanol Institute addressed the market gap between methanol supply and demand, noting the increasing number of vessels needing methanol. Green Marine Group emphasized safety in the maritime energy transition, particularly with new fuels like methanol and ammonia. VPS and DNV discussed ensuring safety and quality in methanol bunkering, leveraging existing industry standards. Lastly, GARD spoke on the changing risk profiles due to new fuels, stressing the importance of crew training and insurer engagement to manage these risks effectively. This session underlined the collaborative effort required to support the maritime industry’s shift towards decarbonization while maintaining safety standards. 

Blueprints Revealed for Cruise Ship Powered by Wind and Methanol

Date: April 10, 2024

Key Points: Norway-based YSA Design has introduced a concept for a sustainable catamaran cruise ship named Seabreeze, catering to luxury cruise guests. This innovative design features transparent bays between the hulls, allowing guests to view the sea directly beneath them. The ship combines environmental friendliness and modern technology by utilizing foldable sails and engines that run on biomethanol for propulsion. Additionally, it includes a hybrid drive system for silent running on battery power. Designed to accommodate 200 guests and 155 crew members, the Seabreeze’s dimensions allow it to navigate shallow waters, making it ideal for reaching less accessible destinations. This project reflects the cruise industry’s shift towards sustainability and the need to offer unique experiences to environmentally conscious travellers.

Maersk’s New Boxship Takes On Methanol for the First Time in China

Date: April 12, 2024

Key Points: The new 16,000 TEU container ship from AP Moller-Maersk, named Astrid Maersk, has recently completed its first methanol refueling in China at the port of Yangshan, Shanghai. This event, announced on Maersk’s website, marks a significant milestone as it represents the first instance of green methanol bunkering in the country. The vessel, which was just named last week in Yokohama, is part of Maersk’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to lead in decarbonizing global logistics. Silvia Ding, Maersk’s Managing Director for Greater China, highlighted this event as a critical development in building the necessary green methanol infrastructure and emphasized the company’s dedication to innovative solutions for a greener future.

Bureau Veritas Grants Approval for Methanol Fuel System

Date: April 10, 2024

Key Points: Bureau Veritas, a classification society, has given preliminary approval to a methanol dual-fuel system designed by Sasaki Shipbuilding for a 9,000 DWT general cargo vessel. This approval in principle (AiP) underlines the feasibility of using methanol as a sustainable fuel option not only for larger ships but now also for smaller vessels. This achievement highlights Sasaki Shipbuilding’s ongoing efforts to innovate within the maritime industry by developing ships that can utilize alternative fuels, thus contributing to the industry’s broader sustainability goals. This move reinforces the potential of methanol for environmentally friendly propulsion across various maritime applications.

Development of Methanol Bunkering Platform Scheduled for China

Date: April 4, 2024

Key Points: Green Marine is set to enhance the methanol fuel market in China with the launch of a new trading platform, following a strategic agreement with the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang Special Area Administration. This initiative will feature the creation of a methanol bunkering training and certification center in Lingang and the development of an online “Green Fuels Trading Platform.” This platform will provide essential tools for managing methanol price fluctuations and facilitating methanol transactions, aiming to improve the allocation of green fuel resources in Shanghai and establish a top-tier green shipping fuel service ecosystem. The move comes as methanol gains popularity as a marine fuel, with increasing demand from various shipping segments. Efforts are being intensified to scale up the green methanol supply to meet the needs of new methanol-fueled vessels entering service.

Upcoming Product Tankers to Feature Batteries, Wing Sails, and Methanol Engines

Date: April 11, 2024

Key Points: A new series of refined product tankers set to be introduced in Europe will be equipped with various advanced features aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability. These vessels will incorporate a battery system, wind-assisted propulsion, and methanol-fueled engines, as announced by the French shipping company EuroGreen Maritime, which has entered into a seven-year charter agreement with Norway’s Equinor. Designed by LMG Marin France, these dual-fuel MR IMO II chemical tankers will also feature OceanWings® for reduced fuel consumption, a large battery pack for better power management, and a shore power connection to minimize emissions during port operations. Managed by V.Ships France and flagged under France, the tankers are scheduled for delivery from the Wuhu Shipyard in Weihai, China starting in the first half of 2026. This initiative is part of EuroGreen and Equinor’s broader strategy to diminish the environmental impact of maritime operations. 

Green Fuels Powered 3% of Maersk’s Container Shipments in 2023

Date: April 12, 2024

Key points: AP Moller-Maersk reported an uptick in its use of green fuels for shipping containers, with 3% of its shipments in 2023 powered by such fuels, up from 2% in the previous year. The company aims to increase this to 25% by 2030, defining green fuels as those that achieve at least 65% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The recent increase was primarily fueled by higher usage of biofuel blends and the incorporation of methanol-fueled vessels, including one 2,100 TEU feeder vessel and two 16,000 TEU ships. Maersk is actively working on securing more green methanol and other sustainable fuels to meet its future goals and is also exploring the use of green ammonia and other potential eco-friendly fuels for future operations.

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 24 April 2024