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Alternative Fuels

NABU study shows methanol as bunker fuel can make ocean shipping more climate-friendly

Methanol can offer sufficient energy density for most voyages and is comparatively easy to handle; E-Methanol can potentially enable a well-to-wake climate-neutral operation of a ship.
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A new study carried out by the Öko-Institut, on behalf of German environmental association NABU, has concluded that methanol as a marine fuel and energy carrier bears low environmental risks compared to other potential bunker fuels.

According to a summary of the study titled Methanol as marine fuel, methanol can offer sufficient energy density for most voyages and is comparatively easy to handle. 

“E-Methanol enables a well-to-wake climate-neutral operation of a ship if produced using renewable energy and if CO2 is sourced from the atmosphere,” it said. 

The main obstacle tends to be the huge amount of renewable energy necessary for production. The biggest chance to overcome this is straight forward regulation that increases demand, provides planning security for first movers and investors, and puts a price tag on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If used in combustion engine air pollutant emissions from methanol must be reduced by proven technical measures.

Upscaling the production and supply of RNFBO (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin) is crucial to decarbonise maritime transport. So far, there is little experience using hydrogen, e-methanol or e-ammonia as a fuel in shipping. It is further not yet clear which fuel is the most appropriate for use in deep-sea shipping and which option will gain the highest share in the future fuel mix.

The study investigated whether the potential benefits and risks of e-methanol are sufficiently reflected in the current discussion about future marine fuels and whether methanol is preferable to current fossil marine fuels and other RFNBOs. 

Policy recommendations

Today methanol is primarily produced from natural gas and is not able to provide GHG savings compared to conventional fossil fuels like diesel, heavy fuel oil or LNG. Thus, all regulations must be targeted to green e-methanol but not neglect air pollutant reduction, especially nitrogen oxide. 

Moreover, formaldehyde emission prevention has to be incorporated in further development. Green hydrogen production and the DAC technology need to be scaled up significantly to provide substantial amounts of green methanol for shipping. Policy makers therefore should implement straight forward regulation as soon as possible.

These could include GHG reduction targets, a price tag on GHG emissions, green fuel quotas, and mechanisms to encourage the use of methanol, such as through accounting and reporting mechanisms. Regional regulation and infrastructure improvements can also help promote the adoption of RFNBOs.

Also support for investments in environmentally friendly methanol production facilities, early adaptation of land use planning and infrastructure at ports, or the use of CCfDs (Carbon Contracts for Difference) are key instruments to ramp up the supply. At the same time, the demand side should be supported by the European Union and the World Shipping Organization (IMO), which have to set decisive levers for more climate friendly shipping.

Note: The full summary of the study titled ‘Methanol as marine fuel’ can be found here and the full copy of the study can be found here.  

 

Photo credit: NABU and Öko-Institut
Published: 21 March, 2023

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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July 21, 2026

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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