In the Q1 2023 edition of the Superyacht Report, Chris Chatterton, COO of the Methanol Institute, offers an outside perspective of a growing energy market and some key indicators for those new-build yards that have opted to go down this particular route to decarbonization.
Methanol Institutes COO Chris Chatterton wrote an article for Bunkerspot discussing methanol as a short and long-time solution for decarbonizing the shipping industry.
The shipping industry’s energy transition is picking up speed, but it has still to achieve the required momentum. This marathon process has a long way to run, but among the future fuel contenders, methanol is emerging as a short-term choice with a long-term role to play. The leadership shown by AP Moller-Maersk in ordering a series of methanol dual-fuelled ships indicates that large owners are prepared to take the decarbonisation challenge seriously. Since then, the trend line has continued upwards, recently taking a swing northward to the point that some 50 methanol dual-fuelled vessels could be ordered before the end of 2022.
With liner shipping the ideal candidate for methanol – regularly serving large ports at which supplies can be found in volume – it is not surprising that operators including CMA CGM, MSC, Pacific International Lines, X-Press Feeders, and the biggest shipping company in the world, COSCO, have either expressed interest or placed firm orders.
A Longspur Research report addresses the reduction of emissions from the global maritime sector has verified the benefits of methanol as a marine fuel highlighting it as a key solution for decarbonization.
A coalition of some of the leading names in sustainable shipping collaborated on a Joint Industry Project to enable product tanker charterers and shipowners to utilize Methanol as fuel regardless of the cargo carried. The Methanol Institute worked with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, MAN Energy Solutions, and DNV to develop a design that meets all prevailing safety requirements with minimal loss of cargo capacity and low additional build costs. The infographic illustrates how the commercial, environmental and technical challenges were met and highlight the advantages of a Methanol-dual fuel design.
The Methanol Institute (MI) is calling on maritime policy-makers to adopt a ‘well-to-wake’ approach in GHG accounting of fuels to support the decarbonization of maritime transport. MI believes an approach that accounts for GHG emissions of the fuel’s entire value chain is essential to stimulate the uptake of renewable fuels that can drive the maritime industry’s energy transition.
This report is prepared under the collaboration between Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Methanol Institute (MI), Dongguan Transmission & Fuel Injection Technologies Co., Ltd. (FIT) and China Classification Society (CCS). This evaluation study is premised upon several high-level considerations: the availability of methanol from a global perspective; the provisions provided by marine authorities; and the experience from early adopters/pilots using methanol fuel for marine vessels.
Cross-industry research finds key advantages for use of methanol in medium speed marine engines for passenger shipping
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, October 22, 2018 — The Methanol Institute has welcomed the findings of the MethaShip research project which has concluded that renewable Methanol offers a long term solution for the industry’s ambitious carbon emission reduction strategy.
The MethaShip partners found that Methanol can offer a dramatic improvement in emissions reduction across multiple ship types once the IMO has established the statutory framework conditions necessary for an industry-wide reduction of CO2 emissions.
IMO decision to task international standards body with new standard reflects growth of interest as Methanol as a safe, clean marine fuel
Singapore, 09 July 2018. The Methanol Institute has welcomed the decision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to invite the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to develop a standard for methyl/ethyl alcohol as a marine fuel and a standard for methyl/ethyl alcohol fuel couplings.
Sea and Coast and TradeWinds Magazine published exclusive articles, featuring MI’s Chris Chatterton as he discusses methanol as a marine fuel. See below to read.
MI sponsored free seminar was held on Wednesday, May 29 from 1:30 PM- 5:30 PM in Piraeus, Greece. Hosted by Sea Commerce Consulting, the seminar touches on technological challenges of using methanol as a marine fuel, recent IMO decision on using methanol as an alternative and availability of methanol in the marine sector.
The event is sponsored by FedCom, Waterfront, Marinvest, and MI member, Methanex. The webinar is sponsored by SNAME.
Cross-industry research finds key advantages for use of methanol in medium speed marine engines for passenger shipping
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, October 22, 2018 — The Methanol Institute has welcomed the findings of the MethaShip research project which has concluded that renewable Methanol offers a long term solution for the industry’s ambitious carbon emission reduction strategy.
The MethaShip partners found that Methanol can offer a dramatic improvement in emissions reduction across multiple ship types once the IMO has established the statutory framework conditions necessary for an industry-wide reduction of CO2 emissions.
IMO decision to task international standards body with new standard reflects growth of interest as Methanol as a safe, clean marine fuel
Singapore, 09 July 2018. The Methanol Institute has welcomed the decision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to invite the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to develop a standard for methyl/ethyl alcohol as a marine fuel and a standard for methyl/ethyl alcohol fuel couplings.
Project finds that methanol offers immediate environmental benefits and a zero- carbon pathway for ferries and coastal craft, giving further boost to adoption
Stockholm and Singapore, May 31, 2018. The Methanol Institute today welcomed the findings of the Sustainable Marine Methanol (SUMMETH) project, which has backed the increased use of Methanol as a marine fuel.
LR’s new ‘Options Evaluator’ recognizes methanol fuel as a tool for ship operators seeking the best strategy for compliance with 2020 global sulphur fuel oil limits. “The Methanol Institute and its members were pleased to work with Lloyd’s Register in the development of the ‘Options Evaluator,’” noted Methanol Institute CEO Gregory Dolan. “2020 is just around the corner, and this tool will help ship operators navigate compliance options including the use of methanol as a ‘future proof’ marine fuel.”
Renewable Energy Methanol with Ignition Improver Additive for Diesel Engines
proFLASH Methanol Fire & Exintiguishment – VIDEO
Methanol as Marine Fuel – International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Inland & Marine Waterways Exploratory Work on Alternative Fuels
Costs & Benefits of Using Alternative Fuels
A Report from the IEA Advanced Motor Fuels Implementing Agreement
Methanol as a Marine Fuel Webinar Hosted by FCBI & MI
Methanol – An Emerging Clean-Burning Marine Fuel; Methanex
Methanol Safe Berthing: Best Practices
Updates from the Stena Germanica (the world’s first methanol-powered ferry)
Nitrogen Blanketing for Ships
Piracy on the High Seas