The Methanol Institute (MI) has published its first comprehensive guide to methanol as a marine fuel.

Entitled 'Marine Methanol Future-Proof Shipping Fuel', the report is designed to help support buyers' decision-making on which alternative fuel is right for their fleet.

Sections of the report address regulatory drivers, environmental performance, engines and fuel systems, bunkering, handling and safety characteristics, costs and pricing, availability and feedstocks for conventional and renewable product.

Also included are case studies on first movers, including AP Moller-Maersk, Waterfront Shipping, Proman Stena Bulk and the conversion of the ro-pax ferry Stena Germanica.

Approved under the IMO's IGF Code, the orderbook for methanol-fuelled ships has been grown rapidly, with owners and operators selecting the fuel for use on a range of vessel types — from the largest containerships to small pilot boats.

Propulsion systems include tried and tested two-stroke main engines, four stroke units, and fuel cells using methanol for conversion to hydrogen. Main engine manufacturers are developing ever larger, higher capacity units. And projects have been successfully converting smaller main engines to methanol operations.

"Methanol has staked a significant claim to be among the serious fuel choices for vessel designers, owners and operators looking to make a start on their transition to sustainable operations," said MI Chief Executive Officer Greg Dolan. "While there won’t be a single decarbonization solution, it is clear that methanol has advantages that combine to provide a pathway to lower carbon and ultimately carbon-neutral operations. This report provides a clear roadmap for this journey."

MI Chief Operating Officer, Chris Chatterton, commented: "Shipowners have recognised that methanol provides them with huge flexibility in introducing a low-pollution, lower carbon fuel which is closest to a drop-in available in the market."

Chatterton added: "The decision by more and more leading shipping companies to adopt methanol as fuel signals that the industry recognises the need to start its transition to net carbon neutrality now; this publication can support their decision-making process."

To download the guide, please click here.