Trinidad and Tobago growing as a methanol bunkering hub

With sister ship Stena Pro Patria also scheduled for bunkering in the coming days, Proman is set to supply a total of 2,100 MT of methanol fuel in August alone. This achievement underscores the Caribbean nation’s potential as a thriving methanol bunkering hub, with a cumulative 12,500 MT supplied over the past year.

Stena Prosperous’ journey to Trinidad is a testament to the environmental benefits of methanol as a marine fuel. Having sailed from its naming ceremony in Singapore, via Indonesia, Brazil, and the US port of Savannah, the vessel achieved a remarkable 31% reduction in CO2e emissions compared to a traditional VLSFO-powered voyage. This was made possible by bunkering a 20/80 green/conventional methanol blend in Singapore.

Anita Gajadhar, executive director, marketing and logistics at Proman, emphasised the growing appeal of methanol as a marine fuel, highlighting its versatility and cleaner burning properties. “Methanol’s ability to blend with green methanol as production ramps up provides a clear pathway to net zero,” she said. “Stena Prosperous’ journey showcases the industry’s capacity to meet stringent emissions targets set by the IMO and regulations like Fuel EU Maritime.”

The environmental advantages of methanol as a marine fuel are undeniable. When compared to petroleum-based alternatives, it virtually eliminates particulate matter (PM) and sulphur oxides (SOx), while cutting nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%. With the entire fleet of six methanol-powered vessels now in operation, Proman and Stena Bulk anticipate annual GHG emissions savings of over 8,000 tonnes in 2024.

The maritime industry is increasingly embracing methanol as a sustainable fuel choice. Data from DNV predicts 300 methanol-fuelled vessels will be in operation by 2027, with over 70 already ordered in 2024 alone. As the global focus on decarbonisation intensifies, Point Lisas is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for methanol bunkering.