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Ta San Shang Marine to build third methanol-ready service operation vessel

MOL and Ta Tong Marine announced their joint venture Ta San Shang Marine signed a deal for the construction of a new service operation vessel with Damen Group on 27 June.

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Ta San Shang Marine to build third methanol-ready service operation vessel

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Ta Tong Marine (TSS) on Friday (28 June) announced their joint venture Ta San Shang Marine Co. Ltd. (TSSM) signed a deal for the construction of a new service operation vessel (SOV) with the Damen Group of the Netherlands on 27 June. 

This is the third newbuilding SOV to TSSM, following the TSS Pioneer, the first newly built SOV in Asia (delivered in 2022), and the TSS Cruiser, which was ordered last November and is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025.

This third vessel, also a Taiwan-flagged SOV, is designed to be methanol-ready as a future fuel, just like its sister ship, the TSS Cruiser. It will also be built at the Damen shipyard in Vietnam and is slated for delivery at the end of 2026. 

This newly built SOV is to serve offshore wind farms in Taiwan, which are scheduled to be constructed and start operation in the late 2020s. 

The vessel will safely transfer personnel and supplies to the offshore wind farm, by leveraging the experience gained through the operation of the TSS Pioneer, and contribute to the development of Taiwan's offshore wind business by offering comfortable accommodations for wind farm technicians.

MOL Executive Officer Masayuki Sugiyama, responsible for Wind Power Unit, said: “We are pleased to have placed an order for TSSM's third SOV. We are confident that the SOV will not only make TSSM the dominant SOV player in Taiwan, but will also serve as a stepping stone for the development of MOL's SOV business in Asia, including Japan.”

TSSM Chairman Hrong-Nain Lin, said: “We are excited to further expand our fleet with the purchase of another Damen CSOV9020. Through the expansion of our offshore fleet, we can offer an efficient tool in helping to accelerate wind farm constructions., We eagerly anticipate to contribute more in the field of clean energy, to play our part in achieving the goal of Net Zero carbon emissions, ultimately to make the planet inhabitable for future generations.”

Damen Shipyards CEO Arnout Damen, said: "We are grateful and highly value that TSSM has selected Damen once more as the builder of the newest SOV in their fleet. Last year, we welcomed TSSM into the Damen-family with the CSOV9020 TSS Cruiser and since then we have further strengthened and intensified our relationship.”

“We expect that with the two new CSOV9020, TSSM will further strengthen its position in the Taiwanese and Asia-Pacific offshore wind market – with the full support from our side. We look forward to a continued, fruitful, and long relationship with TSSM.”

 

Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 1 July, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

Meyer Werft and partners kick off green methanol fuel cells project for cruise ship

Project’s core goal is for DLR to create large scale fuel cell stacks and Freudenberg e-Power Systems to create fuel cell systems that can be retrofitted on existing cruise ships.

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Meyer Werft and partners kick off green methanol fuel cells project for cruise ship

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft recently said it launched the zero4cruise project at Freudenberg e-Power Systems in Munich, together with project partners Freudenberg e-Power Systems and German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Building on previous developments, zero4cruise focuses on fuel cell technology powered by green methanol, according to the company.

“The project addresses a critical challenge for the maritime industry: developing climate-friendly and low emission energy systems for cruise ships,” it said in a social media post. 

The project’s core goal is for DLR to create large scale fuel cell stacks and Freudenberg e-Power Systems to create fuel cell systems that can be retrofitted on existing ships. 

“This retrofit approach is key to accelerating the decarbonisation of the cruise sector, which is vital given the long operational lifespans of vessels,” it said. 

The hybrid energy system will combine PEM fuel cells with a methanol reformer and battery systems to optimize efficiency and ensure ships can operate carbon-neutral in ports and coastal areas.

“zero4cruise is not just about new technologies—it’s about creating practical, scalable solutions that can transform existing fleets into sustainable vessels, ensuring that ships in harbours and coastal areas can operate with low emissions,” Meyer Werft added.

 

Photo credit: Meyer Werft
Published: 6 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Fuel cells with methanol reformer tech can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines, says Dr. Andreas Bodén.

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PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of fuel cell systems developer PowerCell shares with Manifold Times the potential of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer technology as a solution in maritime industry’s transition towards net-zero-emission: 

 As the maritime industry transitions towards net-zero emissions, renewable fuels have been at the forefront in advancing sustainable shipping. According to Hydrogen Europe’s “Long-term outlook on zero-emission mobility” survey, e-fuels hold the most promise for various ship types, including ferries, cruise ships, and container vessels. 

Among these e-fuel options, methanol reformer technology is emerging as a potential solution in this transition. This technology can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, enabling proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with 30% greater efficiency than internal combustion engines, paving the way for compact, high-power, and net-zero energy solutions without relying on pure hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen, often dubbed the building block of the energy transition, emerges as a viable option for certain vessels with fixed or shorter routes, such as passenger ferries and service vessels. However, its practicality for wider-scale use in deep-sea shipping has significant challenges related to supply of green molecules and energy density, as well as storage, transport, and handling.

Methanol addresses these challenges by serving as an easy and efficient liquid hydrogen carrier. It is easy to handle, store, and transport at ambient temperature and pressure. By serving as a hydrogen carrier, methanol overcomes the logistical obstacles of hydrogen fuel while still enabling the use of high-efficiency fuel cells. This symbiosis positions methanol and fuel cells as key players in scaling renewable fuels for the maritime industry. 

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of PowerCell

Efficient use of scarce resources

Green fuels like renewable methanol face significant hurdles, from scaling production to securing offtake agreements. Marine economist Dr. Martin Stopford warns that shipping might lag behind other sectors, such as road transport and chemicals, in accessing renewable fuels. At the same time, the Methanol Institute tracks nearly 90 green methanol projects aiming to produce 9 million tons annually by 2027, some of which will benefit the marine industry.

Despite the level of optimism, renewable methanol will be a scarce and a costly resource for the foreseeable future. Lloyd’s Register estimates its initial cost at around $1,000 per ton, which is significantly higher than conventional fuels. Shipowners must therefore maximise efficiency, reducing the volume of renewable fuel required and mitigating operating expenses.

Methanol’s energy density surpasses hydrogen and ammonia but falls short of hydrocarbon fuels. Lloyd’s Register highlights that ship operators would require two and a half times more methanol than traditional fuel oil for equivalent energy output. This disparity underscores the necessity of adopting more efficient propulsion systems.

Fuel cells: A pathway to efficiency

Fuel cells with methanol reformer technology offer a solution. These systems can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines. PEM fuel cells which can use this technology stand out for their compact size, efficiency, and high-power density. These technologies enable net-zero energy generation without the need for pure hydrogen infrastructure.

For smaller vessels like ferries and towboats, fuel cells can serve as the primary propulsion system, reducing renewable methanol consumption by up to 30%. Larger ships, such as container vessels, can use fuel cells to power auxiliary engines, eliminating emissions from fossil-fuel generators during port operations. Renewable methanol further curbs nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, while eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. These benefits can be enhanced when using an internal combustion engine (ICE) or a fuel cell with reformer technology specifically designed to reduce local pollutants. 

Beyond methanol, fuel cell reformer technology can be developed for ammonia. This adaptability offers a pathway to the efficient use of ammonia as a future zero-carbon solution. This flexibility also allows shipowners to adopt renewable methanol now and transition to other fuels as they become viable.

Balancing sustainability and efficiency

The IMO’s revised GHG strategy targets net-zero emissions for international shipping by 2050, with interim milestones for 2030 and 2040. Achieving these goals requires efficient use of renewable fuels and innovative propulsion systems. PowerCell’s Methanol to Power Solution, M2Power 250, exemplifies the potential to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. 

As the maritime industry is responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions, fuel cells with methanol reformers represent a practical solution. Whether powering smaller vessels or auxiliary systems on deep-sea ships, this technology bridges the gap between the current fuel limitations and the future of sustainable shipping. 

The marine industry must embrace innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions. Fuel cell technology, with its unparalleled efficiency and fuel optionality, positions many shipowners best to navigate the challenges of the energy transition. 

 

Photo credit: PowerCell
Published: 6 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

While LNG and methanol markets are maturing, DNV sees that shipowners are diversifying their fuel options and exploring other bunker fuels such as ammonia, says Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director.

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DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

Latest figures from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform saw a total of 12 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels were placed in January 2025, marking a continuation of the trend towards the fuel in the second half of 2024. 

DNV said all new orders placed came from the container segment. 

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “Although we have seen fewer orders for alternative-fueled vessels in January compared to other months, it follows a record-breaking year in 2024, and  the overall outlook continues to be encouraging.  

“The orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG, indicating a continuation of trends from the second half of last year.

“In addition, the dominance of container vessels in the orderbook indicates that demands from cargo owners and consumers for more sustainable practices remain heavily influential in driving the uptake of alternative-fueled vessels.

“While LNG and methanol markets are maturing, with increasing numbers of vessels being ordered and delivered, we also see that shipowners are diversifying their fuel options and exploring other fuels, such as ammonia.”

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

DNV: Alternative-fueled vessel orderbook continues to be dominated by LNG

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 4 February, 2025

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