Methanol’s increasing popularity leads to new fuel tank choices

Experts believe that the chemical CH3OH, also known as methanol, has the potential to be a significant marine fuel of the future. It is currently available in about 120 ports worldwide, easy to store and handle on ships, and suitable for both newbuildings and conversions. While it is not widely available in its ‘green’ form yet, fuel providers are focusing on new facilities to produce methanol using sustainable energy sources, making it a potentially carbon-neutral fuel.

One drawback of methanol is its lower energy density compared to diesel, and its low flashpoint requires additional safety measures. However, new technology options are emerging to address these challenges. SRC Group has launched Methanol Superstorage, a fuel tank option that does not require cofferdams, saving space and maximizing fuel volumes. Additionally, LR and SDC Ship Design and Consult have developed a system to install ballast water tanks instead of cofferdams around methanol fuel tanks, saving space and increasing efficiency.

These developments aim to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels such as methanol in the maritime industry. The potential for methanol as a marine fuel has generated interest from both retrofits and newbuildings, with surprising inquiries coming from the superyacht sector. These innovations provide efficient and safe solutions for the implementation of alternative fuels, helping to advance the maritime energy transition.

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