BunkeringEuropeOperations

Gothenburg celebrates landmark methanol fuelling moment

The rapid rollout of landmark methanol fuelling moments continues with news from Sweden where the world’s first methanol ferry, the Stena Germanica, has become the first non-tanker to successfully complete ship-to-ship methanol bunkering. The operation took place earlier this week at the port of Gothenburg with fuel provided by Methanex Corporation.

“As the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol, we’re pleased to continue our collaboration with Stena Line to demonstrate that methanol is a leading alternative, cleaner burning, future-proof marine fuel,” said Karine Delbarre, senior vice president at Methanex. “This first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering for a non-tanker, leveraging our partners E&S Tankers and Port of Gothenburg, is further evidence that methanol is globally available, safe to ship, store and handle using procedures similar to those for conventional marine fuels.”

The Stena Germanica, connecting Gothenburg with Kiel in Germany, became the world’s first methanol-powered ferry when Stena Line converted the 240 m vessel in 2015.

“This is a door-opening demonstration, proving that there is a feasible way to handle ship-to-ship methanol bunkering. With this, we are strengthening our position as a bunker hub and at the same time showcasing that this can be done in a safe and efficient way. Not only here, but also in other ports around the world,” said Christoffer Lillhage, senior business development manager at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

In Splash’s annual maritime tech preview, published earlier this month, many respondents identified 2023 as the year that methanol steps up to become shipping’s main alternative fuel.

“We are seeing an increase in traction for methanol and in my opinion this will be the year that methanol is embraced by the wider industry which includes shipowners, suppliers like engine-makers and tank and infrastructure in the main bunkering ports,” commented Carl Schou, president of Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

Analysis from class society DNV shows methanol was the second most popular alternative fuel choice for newbuild orders last year after LNG, with 35 ships ordered, bringing the total count to 82 ships.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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