ABS, PCL and PaxOcean in methanol conversion study

The project is understood to relate to the conversion of the main engines of a Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL) container vessel to be capable of operating on methanol as a fuel. PaxOcean Holdings Pte Ltd (PaxOcean) is also collaborating in the JDP project, which will evaluate the means and impact of retrofitting a vessel.

ABS has extensive experience in engine conversion projects, and has previously collaborated with engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions on conversions of its LNG-fuelled ME-GI engine to operate on ethane, for example.  

A number of other joint development projects are examining the possibility of converting large bore conventional engines to operate on methanol fuel. The Motorship reported that DNV is undertaking a JDP with MSC and CSSC into the possibility of converting a container vessel’s main engine supplied by WinGD into a large bore methanol-fuelled engine WinGD is developing.

“PCL and PaxOcean are forward-looking companies, and as a leader in maritime decarbonization, ABS is proud to be able to use our deep insight to support their sustainability journeys. Methanol represents a promising fuel, with practical benefits related to ease of storage and handling, tank-to-wake carbon intensity reduction, as well as a pathway to carbon neutrality through green methanol,” said John McDonald, ABS Executive Vice President and COO.

Hor Weng Yew, MD and CEO of PCL said, “This partnership with ABS and PaxOcean is part of PCL’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 or earlier. With methanol gaining maturity as a marine fuel, we believe it has great potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint in the short to mid-term. This study will serve to identify the options we have to adapt our existing ships to handle methanol effectively and safely.”