Proman Stena Bulk takes delivery of first methanol-powered newbuild

The methanol-powered 49,990 DWT Stena Pro Patria is the first of six IMOIIMeMAX dual-fuel mid-range (MR) tankers being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for Proman Stena Bulk and Proman. Two further vessels, the Stena Pro Marine and Stena Promise are due for delivery later this year.

The Stena Pro Patria will leave GSI Shipyard to load methanol fuel in Ulsan, South Korea and will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for her naming ceremony later this year. The vessel will run on methanol, representing 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, the Stena Pro Patria will be a low-emission vessel, eliminating local pollutants including SOx and Particulate matters, cutting NOx emissions by 60% and reducing CO2 emissions versus conventional marine fuels.

Equipped with the latest generation MAN dual-fuel engines, the Stena Pro Patria will feature 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.

David Cassidy, Chief Executive of Proman, said: “The delivery of the Stena Pro Patria represents a major milestone for the success of our joint venture with Stena Bulk, as well as sending 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.

“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-emission fuels emerge to also 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, benefitting from immediate emissions savings while also sending out strong demand signals to the market.”

Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk 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.

“As a company we strive to be a first mover by sending out positive messages that new advanced fuels, as well as technological energy efficiency advancements, are available today. The Stena Pro Patria is testament to that.”