Maersk’s series of methanol-powered box ships will be built to ABS class (source: AP Moller-Maersk)
American Bureau of Society (ABS) has released a whitepaper analysing the prospects of various fuels and concluded methanol represents a promising fuel source for the global fleet
The classification society’s Zero Carbon Outlook study explored methanol and other emerging fuel options and noted methanol represents a serious option for the shipping industry, citing practical benefits related to ease of storage and handling, tank-to-wake carbon intensity reduction, and a pathway to carbon neutrality through green methanol.
ABS vice president, global sustainability Georgios Plevrakis said, “Methanol presents an immediate and promising solution with practical advantages in storage, handling and carbon intensity reduction potential which is gaining traction in the market.”
“The further development of green methanol (electrolysis and biogenic carbon) provides a viable option for carbon-neutral operations. From a technical perspective, solutions for onboard use of methanol are mature. Vessel designs have been developed and are being developed for all vessel segments.”
The report comes at a time when methanol is gaining traction in commercial operations. ABS noted the fuel’s total production capacity currently outstrips demand, concluding, “the supply chains for its distribution already exist and are well-positioned” to offer it as a marine fuel at many ports.
ABS said it is working with operators around the world on methanol projects. Most notably with AP Møller-Maersk on a series of 12 large methanol-operated container ships which are to be built to ABS class.
Maersk has made agreements with Proman to supply ‘green’ methanol for the vessels and formed a partnership with Chinese firm Debo Energy to develop a bio-methanol project to provide it with 200,000 tonnes of the fuel each year from Q3 2024.
The ABS Guide for Methanol and Ethanol Fueled Vessels can be accessed here and Setting the Course to Low Carbon Shipping: Zero Carbon Outlook is available here.
