Second methanol-fuelled newbuild delivered to Proman Stena Bulk

The methanol-powered 49,990 DWT Stena Pro Marine is the second of a series of six IMOIIMeMAX dual-fuel mid-range (MR) tankers being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for Proman Stena Bulk and Proman. A third vessel, the Stena Promise is due for delivery later this year. The remaining three vessels are due for delivery by 2024.

Stena Pro Marine, like Stena Pro Patria, is expected to consume 12,500 tonnes of methanol per annum. The use of methanol onboard virtually eliminates local pollutants including SOx and Particulate Matter (PM), cuts NOx emissions by 60% and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15% on a tank to wake basis versus conventional marine fuels.

Proman is a leading global methanol producer and noted that Stena Pro Marine entering normal operation demonstrates that it is not only possible, but more importantly, it is operationally effective to use methanol as a marine fuel today, with methanol already available at over 120 ports worldwide, including all major bunkering hubs.

Anita Gajadhar, MD of Proman Shipping, Marketing and Logistics, said: “Vessels such as the Stena Pro Marine demonstrate to shipowners and policymakers that the industry can take proactive and immediate steps on the decarbonisation pathway.

“Proman and other producers are ramping up investments in low-carbon methanol technologies and renewables projects to meet rapidly expanding customer demand. As regulators continue to propel much-needed maritime decarbonisation, including the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package, these vessels underline the importance of a regulatory framework that relies on one certification methodology for alternative fuels and accurate emission measurements of all fuels, including reduced carbon-intensity fossil-origin products, which play an important early role in accelerating the switch to cleaner fuels and enabling the pathway to net-zero.”

Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk added: “We’re proud to be able to add Stena Pro Marine alongside Stena Pro Patria to our fleet with this delivery announcement. We truly believe that these vessels are not only a step forward for MR tanker design but are also a clear statement of intent to the market. They showcase our confidence in methanol as an important and viable solution for the future of sustainable shipping.”