Advancing green methanol in shipping

The three companies are forming the Green Methanol Cooperation (GMC) which aims to develop the infrastructure and logistics needed to supply methanol in Europe and establish the relevant shipping requirements. A medium-term goal is to build ships that can burn green methanol in their engines, initially focusing on European coastal shipping using container feeders and ships with a load capacity of 5,300 and 8,300 tonnes.

“The targets for reducing CO2 emissions in shipping can be implemented rapidly and economically if we start with the technology on board and use green methanol as fuel,” explained Michael Wächter, managing director of SDC.

Produced using hydrogen from renewable sources and CO2 from the atmosphere via a biological feedstock or direct air capture, green methanol is a carbon-neutral choice. Liquid at room temperature and fully biodegradable, the fuel is easier to transport and store than green hydrogen.

The GMC will use a digitalised and transparent approach, running the project in accordance with the Poseidon Principles and ESG principles. “Working with Uniper and SDC in an open collaboration reflects the current requirements for European short-sea shipping — all parties involved, from suppliers, tonnage providers and regulators through asset providers and shipping agents, need to work together to further develop and modernise this sector,” commented Dietrich Schulz, chief executive of Liberty Pier.