How effective is Methanol as an alternative shipping fuel?

Recently, the e-learning and training provider Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) introduced a course on 'Methanol Fuel Safety', which re-sparked the debate of how effective Methanol is, as an alternative fuel.

In order to shift the world's focus from fossil fuels and redirect it to cleaner energy, methanol has been observed as a worthy component. It offers a range of advantages, from its low emissions to the cost-effectiveness. It is light, readily available, and versatile.

Carving a path towards carbon-neutral supply in future, when used as a marine fuel, methanol can help reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, especially compared to conventional marine fuels like heavy fuel oil (HFO). Methanol also has a lower carbon intensity when derived from renewable sources like natural gas, coal, and biomass.

How is the current rate of use?

Image by Methanol Institute

As per the Methanol Institute, there are currently 251 newbuild vessels either in operation or on order that are designed to run on methanol, with the technology also allowing for easy conversion of existing engines. Most of these orders are for container ships, with some for bulk and car carriers.

While liquefied natural gas (LNG) remains a popular choice, especially for new builds, its orders have declined from 222 in 2022 to 130 in 2023. In various cases, Methanol has surpassed LNG as a preferred choice of an alternative fuel. The infrastructure for methanol bunkering is under development.

So, what is the conundrum?

(Source: IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 website, which focuses on mapping alternative marine fuels to support the transition to more sustainable shipping practices)

While methanol offers environmental benefits as an alternative marine fuel, it is highly flammable, toxic, and corrosive, thus, requiring careful consideration in its safety and infrastructural adaptations.