Alternative Fuels
Rystad Energy forecasts huge foreign investment into Egypt’s green hydrogen and ammonia plans
SCZONE’s Air Sokhna region has bunkering facilities for ammonia, which makes it very suitable for the trade of hydrogen and its derivatives, states report.

Published
1 year agoon
By
Admin
Independent energy research and business intelligence company Rystad Energy on Tuesday (17 May) said Egypt’s green hydrogen projects are estimated to cost around USD 20 billion, without additional infrastructures.
The projects, including the establishment of bunkering facilities, are expected to come online before 2035, according to Rystad Energy research.
Egypt’s pipeline for green hydrogen projects stands at 11.62 gigawatts (GW), equivalent to over 1.57 million tonnes of green hydrogen, ranking the country in the top three green hydrogen pipelines globally, after Australia and on par with Mauritania.
The series of projects announced in Egypt over the past three months has captivated foreign developers, highlighted the country’s potential, and came as the country gears up to host COP27 in 2023.
The interest shown by international developers in Egypt is due to some favourable factors including the country’s location, natural gas infrastructure, liquefaction facilities, bunkering market, and marine ports, as well as its high solar and wind potential.
Egypt is also close to markets like the European Union and the Middle East – regions set to see a huge demand for hydrogen in the coming years.
The government of Egypt plans to release a USD 40-billion national hydrogen plan in the coming months, recognising the importance of production, storage and export/import of green hydrogen and ammonia under its economic development strategy and allowing for state support and tax incentives.
The process of establishing, operating, and managing hydrogen projects has been simplified, requiring a single permit, which means less red tape.
Additional incentives could include special custom points for export/import, utilities connection costs being passed on to the state, the reimbursement of 50% of land allocation costs (under the condition that the project commences production within two years) and other non-fiscal incentives.
“Egypt has all the prerequisites to become a green hydrogen giant – fantastic renewable potential, space for mega projects and construction expertise. The 40 billion in planned investments by the Egyptian government demonstrates commitment and will bring further foreign investment,” said Dr Minh Khoi Le, Head of Hydrogen at Rystad Energy.
“Sitting between three continents and with the Suez Canal carrying approximately 12% of all the seaborne freight in the world, Egypt can supply renewable energy near and far. The domestic market will benefit too as the Egyptian agriculture sector can look forward to being one of the greenest when it comes to fertiliser use.”
This plan would be a huge development for Egypt’s green hydrogen economy.
The upcoming legislation will enable green hydrogen and ammonia plans, and with the over 11-GW of projects already announced, Rystad Energy expects a huge inflow of foreign investment into the country.
Several feasibility studies and MoUs between Egyptian state entities and leading international ammonia and hydrogen market players for the development of green ammonia and green hydrogen have been reported in 2021.
These studies and preliminary agreements are expected to proceed to projects due to the commitment from the Egyptian government that should encourage additional international investors to enter the Egyptian hydrogen and ammonia market.
Project by capacity
Almost 80% of the announced green hydrogen projects in Egypt are planned for SCZONE, a global logistics hub that aims to connect Europe, Africa and Asia through the Arabian Gulf and is responsible for 20% of the international container trade and 10% of the seaborne trade.
The hub’s Air Sokhna region enjoys proximity to a seawater desalination plant (150,000 m3/day), sewage treatment plant (35,000 m3/day), and bunkering facilities like ammonia (80,000 tonnes), which make it very suitable for the trade of hydrogen and its derivatives.
The seven projects announced for the region in the last three months have a combined capacity of 10.76 GW, meaning an output of over 1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen.
Manifold Times recently reported Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has signed six memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for investments worth USD 10 billion for green hydrogen and green ammonia projects with major international companies and consortiums.
The MOUs are to establish industrial facilities and complexes in Sokhna zone to produce green fuel and use it for ship bunkering purposes or export to foreign markets.
Related: SCZONE signs deal for USD 10 billion in investment to produce green hydrogen and ammonia
Related: Egypt govt enters project to introduce e-methanol for bunkering at Suez Canal by 2026
Related: Egypt: General Authority of SCZone signs MOU for French green fuel bunkering project
Related: Maersk explores Egypt to accelerate hydrogen and green marine fuel production
Methanol
Kambara Kisen orders methanol dual-fuel bulker from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Firm ordered a 65,700-dwt methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carrier with Tsuneishi Shipbuilding; MOL signed a basic agreement on time charter for the newbuilding that is slated to be delivered in 2027.

Published
3 days agoon
September 22, 2023By
Admin
Japanese shipowner Kambara Kisen has ordered a 65,700-dwt methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carrier newbuilding from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, according to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on Wednesday (20 September).
MOL said it signed a basic agreement on time charter for the newbuilding that is slated to be delivered in 2027.
The vessel will be designed to use e-methanol produced primarily by synthesising recovered CO2 and hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, and bio-methanol derived from biogas.
The vessel's design maximises cargo space while ensuring sufficient methanol tank capacity set to allow the required navigational distance assuming various routes, at the same time maximising cargo space.
MOL added the vessel is expected to serve mainly in the transport of biomass fuels from the east coast of North America to Europe and the U.K. and within the Pacific region, as well as grain from the east coast of South America and the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe and the Far East.
Details on the time-charter contract:
Shipowner: Kambara Kisen wholly owned subsidiary
Charterer: MOL Drybulk Ltd.
Charter period 2027: -
Details on the newbuilding methanol dual fuel bulk carrier:
LOA: About 200 m
Breadth: About 32.25 m
Draft: About 13.80 m
Deadweight: About 65,700 MT
Hold capacity: About 81,500m3
Shipyard: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 22 September, 2023
Methanol
Argus Media: Alternatives may drive methanol market growth
Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand, according to Argus.

Published
3 days agoon
September 22, 2023By
Admin
The growth of sustainable alternatives to traditional methanol production sources likely will shape the market over the next several years, industry leaders said this week at the Argus Methanol Forum.
20 September
Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand.
"The aim is to be net zero by 2050 but [those solutions are] expensive today and one of the main challenges to build e-methanol or bio-methanol plants is a huge queue for these pieces of equipment that aren't available," Anita Gajadhar, executive director for Swiss-based methanol producer Proman, said.
Bio-based and e-methanol plants of commercial scale, like Proman's natural gas-fed 1.9 million metric tonne/yr M5000 plant in Trinidad and Tobago, are not ready today.
"But that's not to say 10 years from now they won't be there," Gajadhar added.
Smaller projects are popping up. Dutch fuels and gas supplier OCI Global announced plans last week to double the green methanol capacity at its Beaumont, Texas, facility to 400,000 t/yr and will add e-methanol to production for the first time. Production will use feedstocks such as renewable natural gas (RNG), green hydrogen and biogas.
The globally oversupplied methanol market will not get any major supply additions starting in 2024 until 2027. But that oversupply will not last long, Gajadhar said.
Global demand has slowed this year, driven by stagnate economic growth and higher interest rates, according to industry observers.
As much as half of methanol demand is tied to GDP growth, with total methanol demand estimates at 88.9mn t globally in 2023. This is essentially flat from 2022, but up from 88.3m t in 2021 and 87.7mn t in 2020, Dave McCaskill, vice-president of methanol and derivatives for Argus Media's consulting service, said.
Demand is not expected to rebound to 2019 levels of 89.6mn t until 2024 or 2025, he added.
The period of oversupply combined with lackluster demand places methanol in a transition period, Gajadhar said, which opens the door for sustainable feedstock alternatives to shape market growth.
Danish container shipping giant Maersk and French marine logistics company CMA-CGM announced earlier this week a partnership to drive decarbonization in shipping. The partnership seeks to develop fuel and operations standards for bunkering with alternative fuels. The companies will develop net-zero solutions, including new technology and alternative fuels.
Maersk has previously ordered dual-fuel methanol-powered vessels and CMA-CGM LNG-propelled vessels.
The demand for alternative feedstock-derived fuels is there, but the ability to scale-up such production lags. Certified lower-carbon methanol produced using carbon capture and sequestration — also known as blue methanol— can ramp up much more quickly, according to Gajadhar.
By Steven McGinn
Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 22 September, 2023
Biofuel
Royal Caribbean completes over 12 weeks of bio bunker fuel testing in Europe
Firm expanded its biofuel testing this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s “Symphony of the Seas” and Celebrity Cruises’ “Celebrity Apex”.

Published
3 days agoon
September 22, 2023By
Admin
Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday (19 September) said it successfully completed over 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe.
Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas became the first ship in the maritime industry to successfully test and use a biofuel blend in Barcelona to meet part of her fuel needs.
The company confirmed onboard technical systems met operational standards, without quality or safety concerns, demonstrating the biofuel blend is a reliable “drop in” supply of lower emission energy that ships can use to set sail across Europe and beyond.
The tests across Europe also provided valuable data to understand the availability and scalability of biofuel in the region, the firm added.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey.”
“Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer, we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net-zero cruising to life. As we strive to protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are determined to accelerate innovation and improve how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”
President of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó, said: “Royal Caribbean’s success is a clear example of how commitment to innovation makes possible the development of solutions to decarbonise the maritime sector.”
“In this case, it involves the cruise sector and focuses on biofuels, an area in which the Port of Barcelona is already working to become an energy hub, producing and supplying zero carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, and of other almost zero-carbon alternative fuels, such as methanol, biofuels or synthetic fuels. Innovation and collaboration between ports and shipping companies is key to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport.”
The company began testing biofuels last year and expanded the trail this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex.
The sustainable biofuel blends tested were produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create an alternative fuel that is cleaner and more sustainable. The biofuel blends tested are accredited by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognized organization that ensures sustainability of biofuels and verifies reductions of related emissions.
With Symphony of the Seas departing from the Port of Barcelona and Celebrity Apex departing from the Port of Rotterdam, both ships accomplished multiple sailings using biofuel and contributed critical data on the fuel’s capabilities.
“These results will help accelerate Royal Caribbean Group’s plans to continue testing the use of different types of biofuels on upcoming European sailings this fall. The company is exploring strategic partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and infrastructures to advance the maritime energy transition,” the firm said.
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean Group
Published: 22 September, 2023

Kambara Kisen orders methanol dual-fuel bulker from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

Argus Media: Alternatives may drive methanol market growth

Royal Caribbean completes over 12 weeks of bio bunker fuel testing in Europe

Fincantieri to build two new hydrogen-powered ships for MSC Explora Journey fleet

Crowley and BWXT introduces nuclear power generation vessel concept

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (21 September, 2023)

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Former CEO of Singapore-listed New Silkroutes Group amongst three others facing 31 charges at court

Singapore: AGM and creditors meeting scheduled for An Hui Shipping, Nan Yi Maritime

Hyundai secures first HiMSEN methanol engine supply contract with Japanese shipyard

World Fuel Singapore Holding Company I to be wound up voluntarily, creditors to submit claims

Maersk and Equinor ink agreement for supply of green methanol bunker fuel

Singapore: Consort Bunkers and partners to develop ammonia bunkering tanker

VPS reiterates importance of understanding nature of biofuels, before mass adoption as bunker fuel for shipping

Expert shares insights on ammonia’s toxicity as a bunker fuel

MOL and Shell Marine Products Singapore team up on developing green bunker fuels

Study highlights emissions reduction of e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen fuel cell tech

DNV Decarbonisation Insights: Speed up energy transition, shipping industry must move faster towards net zero goal

DNV ‘Maritime Forecast to 2050’ report examines shipping’s energy future and role of technology in energy transition

Singapore: Equatorial Marine Fuel launches sustainable energy business unit, commits towards multi-fuel future
Trending
-
Business2 weeks ago
World Fuel Singapore Holding Company I to be wound up voluntarily, creditors to submit claims
-
Methanol2 weeks ago
Maersk and Equinor ink agreement for supply of green methanol bunker fuel
-
Newbuilding2 weeks ago
Singapore: Consort Bunkers and partners to develop ammonia bunkering tanker
-
Alternative Fuels2 weeks ago
VPS reiterates importance of understanding nature of biofuels, before mass adoption as bunker fuel for shipping
-
Ammonia2 weeks ago
Expert shares insights on ammonia’s toxicity as a bunker fuel
-
Alternative Fuels2 weeks ago
MOL and Shell Marine Products Singapore team up on developing green bunker fuels
-
Bunker Fuel2 weeks ago
Study highlights emissions reduction of e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen fuel cell tech
-
Decarbonisation1 week ago
DNV Decarbonisation Insights: Speed up energy transition, shipping industry must move faster towards net zero goal