Methanol has been identified as a promising alternative fuel for the maritime industry to achieve the recently announced IMO GHG target in 2050 and EU GHG target in 2050. Methanol is a clean-burning fuel that emits less greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides compared to conventional marine fuels. In addition, it is readily available and can be produced from a variety of sources, including biomass, natural gas, and coal.
Several shipping companies have already started using methanol as a fuel, with notable examples including Stena Line, Waterfront Shipping, and NYK Line. Also, container ship operators such as A.P. Moller – Maersk, CMA CGM, HMM and etc… recently joined methanol powered group. Methanol-powered vessels can be designed to use a dual-fuel system. The use of methanol as a fuel has shown promising results in terms of reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Methanol fuel can be classified into three color categories based on their production method: Grey, Blue, and Green. Grey methanol is produced from fossil fuels, while Blue methanol is produced from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Green methanol is produced from renewable sources such as biomass, wind, and solar energy.
Based on the current price of bunker fuel and methanol(Bio/e-fuel) as a marine fuel, methanol is more expensive than conventional bunker fuel. However, it is important to note that the use of methanol as a marine fuel has several advantages over conventional bunker fuel, including lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The EU has introduced penalties for high-emitting fuels in various sector of industry, which means that the use of methanol as a marine fuel could become more economically viable if the price drops to below specific fuel price. In terms of fuel price forecast, it is difficult to predict the future price of bunker fuel and methanol as a marine fuel. However, it is likely that the price of bunker fuel will continue to be influenced by geopolitical factors, such as changes in oil production and demand, while the price of methanol may be more influenced by the development of production technologies and demand for low-carbon fuels. Overall, the use of methanol as a marine fuel is one of a promising alternative to conventional bunker fuel, especially considering the IMO and EU targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector.
Several engine designers have developed or developing methanol engine technology, including MAN-ES, WinGD, Wartsila, Hyundai HiMSEN Engine and etc… These engines are designed to run on methanol fuel and have shown promising results in terms of efficiency and emission reduction. MAN-ES, for instance, has developed a dual-fuel 2 stroke engine that can run on both methanol and diesel, providing flexibility in fuel choice.
Methanol bunkering infrastructure is still in its early stages, but several ports are developing facilities to support methanol-powered vessels. For instance, the Port of Antwerp in Belgium is planning to build a methanol plant and bunkering facility, while the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is investigating the feasibility of a methanol bunkering hub and will provide methanol bunkering to sea-going vessels on a regular basis. Additionally, several energy trading companies in Singapore are conducting a detailed feasibility study of methanol bunkering logistics includes actual ship to ship bunkering operation to a vessel in 2023. The development of methanol bunkering infrastructure is expected to accelerate as demand for methanol fuel increases.
KR has been actively involved in the research and development of Methanol technology in the maritime industry. KR has developed guidelines for the design and construction of Methanol-powered ships and for the safe handling and storage of Methanol onboard ships. KR has also collaborated with various parties such as shipyard, engine manufacturer, etc. on research and development related to Methanol technology. Additionally, KR has provided technical support and guidance to ports and shipping companies interested in using Methanol as a marine fuel. KR's expertise in the Methanol sector has contributed to the advancement of Methanol technology in the maritime industry.
Korean Register guides the regulations that ships using methanol as a fuel by a "Guidelines for Ships Using Low Flashpoint Fuels(LPG & Methyl / Ethyl Alcohol)". The guideline is based on IGF, IGC Code and KR Research. The documents can be downloaded from the link below.
The use of methanol as a fuel in the maritime industry is gaining momentum as shipping companies seek to reduce their environmental footprint and comply with increasingly stringent emission regulations. Methanol is a clean and readily available fuel that can help the industry achieve its emission reduction targets. Methanol engine technology is also advancing rapidly, providing a viable solution for shipping companies looking to transition to more sustainable fuels.