Methanol

Methanol Institute: Progress in methanol integration across shipping and energy sectors (Week 47, 18 to 24 Nov 2024)

Plans for new fuel production across multiple global sites will feed expanded bunkering facilities with fuels able to be supplied to new global standards and for new dual fuel vessels built or retrofitted.

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2024

Admin

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:

We know that the transition of the maritime industry to net zero carbon emissions requires an end to end approach across the value chain. This week provided evidence of the need to collaborate and co-ordinate in the supply chain from fuel production to cargo transport.

Plans for new fuel production across multiple global sites will feed expanded bunkering facilities with fuels able to be supplied to new global standards and consumed on new dual fuel vessels built or retrofitted for the purpose.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 47 of 2024:

Maersk Completes First Methanol Retrofit of Large Containership, Expands Green Fleet

Date: November 18, 2024

Key Points:

AP Moller-Maersk has completed its first retrofit of a large containership, the Maersk Halifax, to dual-fuel methanol propulsion. The retrofit, carried out at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China, lasted 88 days and included expanding the vessel's hull to accommodate larger fuel tanks, increasing its capacity from 15,000 TEU to 15,690 TEU.

The vessel successfully underwent sea trials and has resumed operations on the Trans-Pacific trade route. Maersk highlighted that retrofitting existing ships can complement newbuilds in transitioning to low-emission fuels, advancing the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. This retrofit serves as a pilot project, with Maersk planning to integrate lessons learned into future conversions of its fleet.

Chimbusco Pan Nation Partners with Towngas for Methanol Bunker Fuel Distribution in Hong Kong

Date: November 19, 2024

Key Points:

Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical Co, a leading marine fuel supplier, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas) to develop the distribution of green methanol as a bunker fuel in Hong Kong. This collaboration will focus on supplying methanol produced by Towngas, which is certified under ISCC EU and ISCC Plus standards. The biomethanol is derived from biomass and municipal waste at a production facility in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.

This agreement aligns with Chimbusco Pan Nation's long-term strategy to promote alternative marine fuels and enhance Hong Kong's position as a green maritime hub. Calvin Chung Dik-hong, the company’s director, highlighted the importance of this partnership in advancing sustainable maritime initiatives.

Hong Kong Unveils Green Bunkering Action Plan with Methanol and LNG Initiatives

Date: November 19, 2024

Key Points:

Hong Kong has launched its "Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering," targeting the development and adoption of alternative fuels, including methanol and LNG, as part of its maritime decarbonization efforts. The plan includes several key initiatives:

A pilot ship-to-ship LNG bunkering demonstration scheduled for early 2025.
A target for green fuels, including methanol and LNG, to constitute at least 200,000 metric tons of its annual fuel demand by 2030.
Reducing carbon emissions from Hong Kong-registered ships by at least 11% compared to 2019 levels.
Ensuring 55% of diesel-powered government vessels transition to green fuels by 2026.
Achieving a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals compared to 2021 levels.
Encouraging 7% of Hong Kong-registered ships to use green fuels by 2030.

The government will facilitate collaboration between mainland Chinese green fuel suppliers and shipping companies to establish a robust supply chain. This initiative aligns with global emission reduction targets set by the IMO, aiming to maintain Hong Kong as a centre for sustainable maritime practice.

ISO Introduces First International Standards for Methanol as Marine Fuel

Date: November 20, 2024

Key Points:

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has launched ISO 6853:2024, the first global standards for methanol used as a marine fuel. These specifications provide comprehensive guidelines for three methanol grades—MMA, MMB, and MMC—each tailored to meet the operational needs of maritime applications.

The standards address requirements for properties like lubricity, cleanliness, and tolerances. MMA includes stricter cleanliness requirements, while MMC offers broader tolerances to meet varied operational demands. Developed using International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA) guidelines as a baseline, the ISO 6853:2024 fills a critical gap in ensuring consistency and reliability for methanol in marine applications.

This milestone, led by ISO's working group convened by Chevron's Monique Vermeire, reflects the growing role of methanol in the decarbonization of maritime shipping. The standards aim to provide clarity for the industry as the adoption of methanol as an alternative fuel accelerates.

Methanol-Ready Vessel AAL Antwerp, Embarks on Maiden Voyage for AAL Shipping

Date: November 21, 2024

Key Points:

AAL Shipping’s newest methanol-ready vessel, AAL Antwerp, has set sail on its maiden voyage following a formal naming ceremony at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China. The 32,000 DWT multipurpose heavy-lift vessel is part of AAL’s third-generation Super B-Class fleet, which includes eight ships designed to meet the demands of the multipurpose (MPP) heavy lift shipping sector.

The vessel joins sister ships AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, and AAL Houston in providing project cargo services across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. As AAL celebrates the halfway point of its latest fleet expansion program, the remaining four Super B-Class vessels, including AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai, will be delivered by 2026, offering increased heavy-lift capabilities of up to 800 tonnes

Liquid Wind Secures €44 Million to Advance eFuel Facility Development Worldwide

Date: November 21, 2024

Key Points:

Swedish eFuel developer Liquid Wind has raised €44 million in Series C financing, marking the largest investment in its history. The funding round, led by Uniper, HYCAP Fund I SCSp (HYCAP), and Samsung Ventures, will support the construction of 10 eFuel production facilities by 2027. This initiative is part of Liquid Wind's broader vision of establishing 500 facilities globally by 2050.

Each standardized facility will produce up to 100,000 tons of eFuel annually by recycling 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide, aligning with the maritime industry's demand for low-carbon fuels. This investment bolsters Liquid Wind’s capacity to accelerate production, address sustainability targets, and comply with new maritime fuel regulations.

Uniper, a key partner, highlighted their ongoing collaboration with Liquid Wind, including the NorthStarH2 eMethanol project in Östersund, Sweden. This project aims to produce 100,000 tons of eMethanol annually for the shipping and chemical industries. The partnership emphasizes Uniper’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

Earlier this year, Liquid Wind collaborated with Alfa Laval, Carbon Clean, Siemens Energy, and Topsoe to establish an eFuel Design and Performance Centre in Denmark. This center focuses on innovating and streamlining the deployment of eFuel production plants, furthering Liquid Wind's goal to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.

CSL Partnership Orders Two Methanol-Fueled Vessels for Offshore Wind Projects

Date: November 22, 2024

Key Points:

CSL OWL SRI, a new partnership between CSL and OWL, has placed an order for two subsea rock installation (SRI) vessels powered by dual-fuel methanol engines. These vessels, each with a capacity of 17,500 m³, are specifically designed to support the offshore wind energy sector.

Scheduled for delivery in August and November 2026, the vessels are engineered for efficiency and versatility, capable of performing subsea rock installations at depths of up to 100 meters. This development marks a significant step forward in integrating sustainable fuel technology into specialized maritime operations.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 28 November, 2024

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

Free cost and compliance calculator has been developed by its team based on the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework by IMO’s MPEC 83 recently.

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2025

Admin

Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Tuesday (15 April) introduced a free cost and compliance calculator that has been developed by its team based on the newly approved greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pricing framework by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MPEC 83).

The calculator will help maritime stakeholders explore how the two-tiered, GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI)-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.

GCMD said the buzz around International Maritime Organization's MEPC 83 and the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework has been intense — and understandably so.

“To help make sense of it, our CEO Prof. Lynn Loo started with handwritten trajectory calculations to break down the core workings,” it said in a social media post.

“Building on that, our team has developed a simple, accessible cost and compliance calculator to help you explore how the two-tiered, GFI-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.”

The calculator is just one input—its results should be considered alongside other economic and operational factors to inform commercial decisions.

The tool covers covers heavy fuel oil (HFO), liquified natural gas (LNG), B24 biofuel, e-ammonia and bio-methanol.

“Whether you're assessing fuel options, planning newbuilds, or just trying to get a feel for what this might mean for your operations — this tool offers a useful first-cut view. For added clarity, we’ve included the workings on the side so you can trace the calculation process,” GCMD added.

Note: GCMD’s cost and compliance calculator can be found here.

Photo credit: Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
Published: 16 April, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

4.47 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

Published

6 days ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 0.5% on year in March 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.47 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,469,170 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt (4,445,070 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 1.62 million mt (+0.6% from 1.61 million mt), 2.33 million mt (-3.7% from 2.42 million mt), 500 mt (+100% from zero), 100 mt (-98% from 5,100 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 51,900 mt (+100% from zero), 93,700 mt (+42% from 66,000 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). A new addition of biofuel blend, introduced in February this year, B100, recorded no sales in March.

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 39,000 mt (+1% from 38,600) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 March, 2025

Events

Maritime Week Americas to assess how US policy changes will impact bunkering

Event, taking place in May, will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2025

Admin

Maritime Week Americas to assess how US policy changes will impact bunkering

Maritime Week Americas is coming to the United States amid the trade mayhem and turmoil and will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

President Donald Trump has wasted no time in overturning the status quo and injecting massive uncertainty into every aspect of world trade, said ship.energy.

With the dust still nowhere near settling, there is no telling when the chaos will end or what the energy, shipping and bunker markets will look like in a month or year from now.

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, CEO of ship.energy, founder and organiser of Maritime Week Americas, said: “There is no doubt that the conversations at MWA25 will be livelier that ever as delegates battle to come to terms with a completely new world order. What all this turmoil means to shipping and bunkering, let alone to global, regional, and national economies, will be the question that everyone joining us in Tampa will be asking. Hopefully by the end of the event we will have some answers.”

Maritime Week Americas is always where the key questions are raised and answers are sought. With vigorous debate and frank discussion, well over 250 bunker buyers, suppliers and traders will gather in Tampa for an intense week that includes training, the MWA25 Flagship Conference, and – as always – some unmissable networking.

MWA25 will look at shipping and bunker markets throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, examining traditional bunker markets and the ‘new’ fuels whose take-up is rapidly picking up pace. But can the same be said now for the United States?

Traditional marine fuels are still the mainstay throughout the Americas. The conference will examine fuel quality and quantity issues and take a close look at what is happening in some of the continent’s more active markets, such as Peru and Panama.

There LNG is now a mainstream marine fuel as its availability grows throughout the Americas, with Panama among the newest supply hubs. But is there potential for a backlash over LNG’s green credentials?

Biofuels are also on a fast upward trajectory, with Brazil and other countries now leading the way. But while LNG and biofuels look set to play a key role in fuelling ships for the foreseeable future, other fuels, such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen may not be too far behind. These, and the full range of alternative fuels will be examined in depth during the MWA Conference.

More ports are now beginning to appreciate the environmental benefits of making shore power available to visiting vessels, with some – such as Miami – currently assessing the benefits of installing electric power facilities and others – such as Seattle – already planning to mandate cold ironing for cruise ships visiting the port. At the same time, more electric-powered vessels are beginning to appear, with Canada’s Montreal and Vancouver currently leading the way with new electric ferries. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest electric-powered ferry is expected to start operating between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Colonia in Uruguay by mid-2025.

For the first time, Maritime week Americas will include an entire session focused on Jamaica, an island determined to revitalise and boost its shipping, maritime and bunkering activities.

As always, MWA25 will feature some exciting networking events, designed to highlight the new venue and to ensure that the delegates take every opportunity to network.

Note: More information on Maritime Week Americas can be found here.

Photo credit: Petrospot
Published: 11 April, 2025