ABS Releases New Methanol Bunkering Advisory for Maritime Industry

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released a new advisory on methanol bunkering, providing guidance on the technical and operational aspects of using methanol as a marine fuel. This publication is part of ABS’s efforts to expand its suite of guidance on methanol and support the safe adoption of this fuel in the maritime industry. The advisory highlights the importance of being able to bunker methanol through various methods such as truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship, or land storage tank/terminal-to-ship to ensure the scalability of the fuel.

ABS President and COO, John McDonald, emphasized the importance of supporting owners, operators, and yards in addressing bunkering challenges related to operations, design, and training. The advisory offers insights into the challenges of bunkering methanol and strategies to overcome them, including critical design issues, regulatory compliance, safe practices, operational processes, training, and safety aspects. ABS’s involvement in methanol-related ship projects, such as Maersk’s fleet of methanol-powered containerships, demonstrates its expertise in this area.

ABS’s publication on methanol bunkering comes at a time when the number of methanol-fueled vessels is rapidly increasing, with ABS playing a key role in supporting the safe adoption of methanol as a marine fuel. The advisory provides valuable guidance on the technical and operational challenges faced by suppliers and receiving vessels when bunkering methanol, aiming to ensure the safe and efficient use of this alternative fuel in the maritime industry. ABS’s experience in classing methanol-fueled vessels, such as the world’s first methanol-fueled containership, Laura Maersk, further underscores its commitment to advancing the use of methanol in the maritime sector.

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