Proman Stena Bulk, a joint venture (JV) between leading global methanol producer Proman and one of the world’s largest tanker shipping companies Stena Bulk, has confirmed the first methanol-powered newbuild vessel under its partnership has been delivered and is preparing for commercial operation
49,990-dwt Stena Pro Patria is the first of six state-of-the-art, IMOIIMeMAX dual-fuel MR tankers being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International Co Ltd (GSI) in China for Proman Stena Bulk and Proman.
Two further vessels, Stena Pro Marine and Stena Promise, are due for delivery later this year.
Stena Pro Patria will leave GSI Shipyard to load methanol fuel in Ulsan, South Korea and will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for its naming ceremony later this year.
The vessel represents Proman Stena Bulk’s commitment to methanol’s role as part of the shipping industry’s sustainable fuels pathway. With an expected consumption of 12,500 tonnes of methanol marine fuel per annum, Stena Pro Patria will be a low-emissions vessel, eliminating local pollutants including SOx and particulate matter, cutting NOx emissions by 60% and reducing CO2 emissions compared with conventional marine fuels.
Equipped with the latest generation MAN dual-fuel engines, Stena Pro Patria will feature state-of-the-art energy efficiency technology, including continually controlled combustion, optimised tuning, redesigned and aerodynamic hull lines, and an energy shaft generator, reducing fuel consumption and helping to meet and go beyond IMO compliance criteria.
Proman chief executive David Cassidy said, “The delivery of the Stena Pro Patria represents a major milestone for the success of our joint venture with Stena Bulk, and sends an important message to the market that methanol is a reliable and available marine fuel that can reduce global shipping emissions in the short, medium and long term.
He added, “The vessel’s state-of-the-art fuel consumption and engine technology are important steps towards more sustainable shipping. It will be vital as new low-emissions fuels emerge to focus on energy efficiency. We hope today’s news and our continued investment and commitment will encourage others to accelerate their transition to cleaner fuels like methanol, benefiting from immediate emissions savings, while also sending out strong demand signals to the market.”
Stena Bulk president and chief executive Erik Hånell commented, “It is only through collaboration and partnership that we can meet our climate goals. Today’s announcement of a jointly built methanol-powered vessel coming into commercial use is a great example of our successful partnership with Proman, and we hope the first of many major milestones.
Proman Shipping managing director marketing and logistics Anita Gajadhar added, “We look forward to welcoming Stena Pro Patria to our fleet. Today’s delivery is just the beginning of the low-emissions methanol transition for our own vessels, and moving forward, for third-party shipping companies too.
Stena Pro Patria is named in honour of Dennis Patrick, an integral member of the Proman family and the former chief executive of Proman’s subsidiary Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited (MHTL), who passed away in 2019.
