SRC gains methanol storage approval

The approval confirms that the system meets stringent standards for safety, performance and reliability, allowing shipowners to adopt methanol and ethanol as marine fuels without sacrificing valuable onboard storage space. The solution had previously received Approval in Principle from RINA in March 2025.

Methanol and ethanol are increasingly seen as viable low-emission alternatives to conventional heavy fuel oil. However, their lower energy density means they typically require around twice the storage volume which poses a major design challenge for vessel operators.

SRC Group’s Methanol Superstorage addresses this issue through the use of Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology, which replaces conventional cofferdams with a compact, high-strength layered structure. By incorporating a solid elastomer core between two steel plates, the design provides structural integrity, impact resistance and a third containment barrier, while eliminating the need for large void spaces.

The system also enhances safety by removing hazards associated with cofferdam inspection, such as toxic exposure and confined space risks, while reducing corrosion and maintenance requirements over the vessel lifecycle. Case studies indicate that vessels using the system can store nearly double the volume of methanol or ethanol compared to traditional tank designs.

Pino Spadafora, Marine Market Development vice president at RINA, said: “SRC Group’s Methanol Superstorage is a practical, space-efficient solution with the potential to accelerate the adoption of green methanol as a marine fuel, delivering increased storage capacity while maintaining equivalent safety.”

With demand for methanol-powered vessels expected to rise sharply by 2030, the approval is likely to support wider industry uptake.