PROPELLING SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING – RENEWABLE METHANOL AS A FUTURE MARINE FUEL
With the consistent growth in global trade, marine traffic has reached new heights as 50.000 vessels traverse the world’s oceans at any given moment.[1] According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) study on the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, shipping is expected to grow by up to 250% by 2050[2]. As marine vessels remain mostly dependent on fossil fuels such as heavy fuel oil and marine gasoil for propulsion, the shipping sector is expected to make up no less than 17% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 if left unchecked.[3] In response to this development, policy makers are pursuing ambitious measures to address the problem. The International Maritime Organization plans to implement more stringent controls of GHG emissions, targeting a reduction of CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030 (compared to 2008).[4]
Drivers for renewable methanol as marine fuel
Shipping companies are now increasingly looking for the pathway towards a clean energy future. Integral to success in transitioning the sector from fossil dependency is the adoption of new technologies and fuels for vessel propulsion. The nature of the shipping industry requires long term thinking as new build vessels are major investments that will stay in service for decades. Having a future proof strategy is therefore a key concern already today.
Global leader in shipping services A.P. Moller – Maersk has set itself an even more ambitious target than the IMO and plans 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030. As part of their strategic planning they have concluded a study[5] with Lloyd Register that confirms that the best opportunities for decarbonizing shipping lie in finding new sustainable energy sources. In particular, the best positioned fuels to reach net zero emissions for shipping are alcohols (ethanol and methanol), biomethane, and ammonia.
Methanol has many advantages when used as a marine fuel. These include its clean burning properties and simpler storage and handling compared to other alternative fuels being proposed such as LNG, Hydrogen and Ammonia. The use of methanol can also be adapted to existing vessels and engine technologies at lower adaptation cost.
Maturing technology and commercial deployment
The use of methanol as a marine fuel is not limited to research and strategic studies. In recent years several demonstration projects have shown this to be a practical solution to manage shipping emissions, paving the way for the initial commercial applications.
Waterfront shipping has taken into service nine chemical tanker vessels, representing over 40% of their fleet, with dual fuel capable engines operating on methanol fuel. Most recently Stena Bulk and Proman announced[6] a deal to build two state of the art methanol-ready 49.900 DWT vessels, with the first vessel due for delivery at the beginning of 2022.
CRI has supplied its Vulcanol for various fuel applications, including in the marine sector. In August 2017 German power company Innogy SE launched the first passenger ferry powered by a methanol fuel cell, in which CRI’s renewable methanol was converted directly into electricity[7]. Later this year as part of the EU funded project FReSMe, CRI will supply the fuel to operate the passenger ferry Stena Germanica on its route from Gothenburg to Kiel.
CRI believes that the outlook is bright for continued growth in the use of methanol as a sustainable future proof fuel for the marine sector.
For further information see the following resources:
https://www.methanol.org/marine-fuel/methanol-as-a-marine-fuel-event/
http://www.marinemethanol.com/index.php
References:
[2] http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/PollutionPrevention/AirPollution/Documents/Third%20Greenhouse%20Gas%20Study/GHG3%20Executive%20Summary%20and%20Report.pdf
[4] http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-ships.aspx