MOL: Biomethane from animal manure could fuel vessels in the future

August 19, 2024, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

Several Japanese companies including shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) have launched a study on the production and utilization of biomethane from animal manure.

The LNG-fueled ferry Sunflower Kamui, operated by MOL Sunflower. Courtesy of MOL

In this study, six organizations including MOL, MOL’s passenger shipping subsidiary MOL Sunflower, Hamanaka Town, JA Hamanaka, Takanashi Milk Products and Hokkaido Gas will evaluate the feasibility of using all or part of the biomethane produced at local dairy farms in Hamanaka Town to fuel factories and vessels, leading to major progress toward the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The six organizations participating in the collaboration will bring their respective knowledge and experience to this study.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is currently being used as a low-carbon fuel alternative to conventional fuels such as coal and oil and can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25%-40% compared to conventional fuels in factories and vessels.

Biomethane is seen as an effective energy source for the ultimate goal of decarbonization because it can be used in current infrastructure for transport and consumption.

Biomethane is defined as biogas refined until the methane concentration is the same as natural gas and can replace LNG in suitable marine engines. Using organic methane from waste as an alternative to fossil fuels can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Shipping companies around the globe are testing biomethane as an alternative fuel for their fleets.

In 2021, French shipping major CMA CGM launched the first low-carbon shipping offer based on biomethane that supports the group vision to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

In 2022, CMA CGM and compatriot utility company Engie decided to co-invest in the Salamander project, known as the first industrial and commercial unit for second-generation biomethane production.

Earlier this year, Titan Clean Fuels and STX Group conducted what was said to be the largest ship-to-ship delivery of liquefied biomethane (LBM) to Hapag-Lloyd’s containership in the Port of Rotterdam. During the ship-to-ship bunkering operation Titan’s Alice Cosulich bunker vessel delivered 2,200 metric tons of LBM to Hapag-Lloyd’s Brussels Express ship, also known as the world’s first large container ship that was converted to gas propulsion.