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Methanol Institute: Singapore, China markets exploring use of methanol as marine fuel

Initiative to convert a large number of Chinese fishing vessels to use methanol as fuel part of Asian projects portfolio Methanol Institute is spearheading, says COO.

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There are several parties in Asia which are considering methanol as a bunker fuel, says the COO of the global trade association Methanol Institute (MI). 
 
Chis Chatterton, who is based at MI’s Singapore headquarters, told Manifold Times that China is currently the world’s largest producer and consumer of methanol and the Chinese, backed by decades of experience in safely using methanol as a transportation fuel, have plans to use the product as a marine fuel within the domestic market.

To support the development, the China Classification Society has produced a comprehensive “Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels”, to include methyl/ethyl alcohols, fuel cells and biodiesel as marine fuel, based on industry best practices.
 
“One of our partners in Southern China has developed a project for a 1,100 kilowatt (kW) marine engine to use methanol as a marine fuel,” shares Chatterton. 

He adds that sea trials are expected to commence shortly, on the back of very positive test bed results between the conversion technology licensor, the engine OEM and a major international fuel supplier.
 
Another Chinese initiative targets converting a large number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled fishing vessels to methanol, as their primary fuel, due to the ease of handling and widespread availability of the material in China.
 
Chatterton, meanwhile, says MI is working to facilitate a pilot project in Singapore to test a converted, methanol-fueled unit.  The pilot engine will be test-bedded using both traditional methanol and renewable methanol.
 
“In parallel, we are looking to identify a candidate who may be interested to install and sea trial the engine in Singapore waters,” he notes.

“The ideal vessel would be a smaller sized vessel such as a harbour or rescue craft, small tugboat or pulling/towing vessel with a total installed capacity of 700 to 800 kW. 

“We have similar experience with a high-speed rescue vessel in Sweden, Project GreenPilot, which recently completed successful sea trials.”
 
Another noteworthy Singapore-based project is one involving a local offshore and marine subsidiary which specialises in emulsified fuel technology.
 
“We are discussing a fuel emulsification project to inject water into the methanol fuel mix, which has the effect of reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions,” says Chatterton, who explains one of the benefits of methanol is its miscibility in water.

Water can be injected into the methanol fuel mixture, which in turn lowers the combustion temperature as the water evaporates.  As the water in the fuel/water emulsion evaporates, the fuel is also vaporised.  The additional vapors equate to an increased surface area of the fuel, which provides for more efficient and thorough combustion.  The result is reduced NOx emissions and particulate matter (PM).
 
“This potentially allows certain engines to meet Tier III NOx requirements which are currently in effect within the North American and US Caribbean markets.”
 
Greg Dolan, CEO of MI, earlier wrote in statement to Manifold Times suggesting methanol could be playing a much bigger role within the coming decades as a marine fuel.
 
Related: Methanol offers shipping ‘pathway’ to a low carbon future

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 9 may, 2018

 

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LNG Bunkering

South Korea’s HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping.

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South Korean HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping. 

The contracted vessel is a large-scale LNG bunkering ship measuring 144 meters in length, 25.2 meters in width, and 12.8 meters in depth. It is capable of supplying up to 18,000㎥ of LNG in a single operation to LNG-fuelled ships. 

Equipped with two independent LNG tanks certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the vessel features a dual-fuel propulsion system that allows it to operate on both eco-friendly LNG and marine diesel oil. This advanced system ensures both stability and operational efficiency while effectively reducing carbon emissions.

Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC, said, “As global LNG demand and supply continue to grow, the LNG bunkering vessel market will see steady expansion.” 

“We will focus on strengthening our expertise in building eco-friendly, high-value-added ships, securing a competitive edge that aligns with our legacy as a leader in shipbuilding.”

This achievement follows the company's success in 2014 when it built the world’s first 5,100㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for Japan’s NYK Line.

“This accomplishment also reinforces South Korea’s shipbuilding industry's efforts to enhance competitiveness by securing high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels in the global market,” HJSC said. 

“Notably, with the anticipated expansion of oil and natural gas drilling and the resumption of LNG exports under the second Trump administration in the US, the market for crude oil carriers, LNG carriers, and LNG bunkering vessels is expected to see significant growth.”

“This trend is likely to benefit the country’s highly competitive shipbuilding industry.”

 

Photo credit: HJ Shipbuilding & Construction
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Methanol

India’s first bio-methanol bunker barge to be part of new bunkering facility project

Construction of the bunker barge is part of a MoU between Bapu’s Shipping Jamnagar and Deendayal Port Authority to develop a methanol bunkering facility at Kandla.

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India’s first bio-methanol bunker barge to be part of new bunkering facility project

India’s shipping company Bapu’s Shipping Jamnagar on Sunday (9 February) announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deendayal Port Authority on 8 February to develop a methanol bunkering facility at Kandla. 

The firm said the construction of India’s first bio-methanol bunker barge will be a key part of this initiative to cater to the growing requirement for sustainable maritime fuel. 

“India’s first methanol bunker barge will be constructed at Deendayal Port, marking a significant step in accelerating green shipping and decarbonisation,” said Bhupendra Sinh Jadeja, Managing Director of Bapu’s Shipping. 

“With global ports like Shanghai, Ulsan, Singapore, and Rotterdam advancing methanol bunkering, India is stepping up! Deendayal Port Authority has committed to providing necessary infrastructure support to fast-track the bunker supply chain.”

“We are honoured to be their channel partner in this transformative journey.”

 

Photo credit: Bapu’s Shipping Jamnagar
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

Argus Media: California aims to expand alternative bunker fuels

State senate bill 298, introduced by state senator Anna Caballero, would require a plan to be developed by 31 December 2030 for use and deployment of alternative marine fuels at California’s public seaports.

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California lawmakers will consider expanding alternative marine fuels use by ocean-going vessels on the state's coast.

12 February 2025

State senate bill 298, introduced by state senator Anna Caballero (D), would require the California State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission), the California Transportation Agency and the state board to develop a plan by 31 December 2030 for the use and deployment of alternative fuels at California's public seaports.

The plan should identify significant alternative fuel infrastructure and equipment trends, needs, and issues and describe how the state will facilitate permitting and construction of infrastructure to support alternative fuels. The plan should also identify locations for alternative fuel infrastructure, provide a reasonable timeline for its installment and estimate the costs, including public or private financing opportunities.

The bill also calls for the Energy Commission to convene a working group consisting of representatives of seaports, marine terminal operators, ocean carriers, waterfront labor, cargo owners, environmental and community advocacy groups, the Transportation Agency, the state board, the Public Utilities Commission, and air quality management and air pollution control districts. The working group will advise the commission.

The US territorial waters, including California's, are designated as emission control areas (ECAs). In the ECAs, the sulphur content of marine fuel burned by ocean-going vessels is capped at 0.1pc. Thus ocean-going vessels within 24 nautical miles of California burn 0.1pc sulphur maximum marine gasoil (MGO). Ocean-going vessels could achieve the equivalent of 0.1pc sulphur marine fuel emissions by installing marine exhaust scrubbers. But California has banned their use. California is the only US state that has banned the outright use of marine scrubbers.

California also requires that ocean-going vessels while at berth in California ports must either use shore power or use alternative technology such as batteries. The regulation came into force for container ships, reefers and cruise ships in 2023. It came into force this January for tankers visiting Los Angeles and Long beach and for roll on roll off vessels. Starting on 1 January 2027, it will apply to all tankers at berth in all California's ports.

US harbor craft vessels (such as barges, commercial fishing vessels, excursion vessels, dredgers, pilot vessels, tugboats and workboats) in California's waters are required to burn renewable diesel (R99 or R100). By comparison, elsewhere in the US, harbor craft vessels are required to burn ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD). In January, Los Angeles ULSD averaged at $773/t and R99 at $962/t.

By Stefka Wechsler

 

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 12 February, 2025

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