Methanol Institute issues first complete guide to methanol as marine fuel

The Methanol Institute, a global trade association for the methanol industry, has published the first comprehensive guide to methanol as a marine fuel to help stakeholders across the industry access the information they need to support decision-making on which alternative fuel is right for their fleet.

According to the Institute, the guide, called ‘MARINE METHANOL Future-Proof Shipping Fuel,’ addresses regulatory drivers, environmental performance, engines and fuel systems, bunkering, handling and safety characteristics, costs and pricing, availability and feedstocks for conventional and renewable product, as well as case studies on first movers including AP Moller-Maersk, Waterfront Shipping, Proman Stena Bulk and the conversion of ropax ferry Stena Germanica.

The institute noted that the momentum for methanol as fuel has increased as studies, analysis and guidance, much of it supported by the Institute, have been published. This includes early guidance for bunkering operations developed with Lloyd’s Register and subsequent work with the ports of Shanghai, Singapore and Rotterdam.

“Propulsion systems include tried and tested two-stroke main engines, four-stroke units, and fuel cells using methanol for conversion to hydrogen. Main engine manufacturers report considerable order backlogs and are developing ever larger, higher-capacity units. Studies and pilots continue to prove the effectiveness of converting smaller main engines to methanol operations,” the Institute said.

MI CEO Greg Dolan commented: “Methanol has staked a significant claim to be among the serious fuel choices for vessel designers, owners and operators looking to make a start on their transition to sustainable operations. While there won’t be a single decarbonisation solution, it is clear that methanol has advantages that combine to provide a pathway to lower carbon and ultimately carbon-neutral operations. This report provides a clear roadmap for this journey.”