On December 12, Nippon Yusen, ENEOS, and two other companies announced that they have begun joint studies to establish a bunkering supply chain for methanol fuel for ships near Houston, USA. They aim to create the first commercially viable Ship-to-Ship (a method in which a fuel supply vessel docks alongside a ship to supply fuel) methanol fuel supply network for ships in the United States.
The international shipping industry is required to work toward the International Maritime Organization's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Low-carbon methanol derived from renewable energy and biomass is attracting attention as a next-generation marine fuel that will contribute to GHG reduction due to its high convenience as a liquid at room temperature and pressure.
In the joint study, Nippon Yusen will leverage its experience in building supply networks for LNG bunkering for ships to provide expertise in developing methanol-fueled vessels. ENEOS aims to procure and supply low-carbon methanol, such as green methanol planned to be produced at the Beaver Lake Renewable Energy project being advanced by its investee company C2X in Louisiana, USA, and to supply it to shipping companies.
■ Participating companies and their main roles
ABS (an organization providing technical support, primarily in ship classification and certification services): Developed operational guidelines for methanol bunkering in the United States and advised on safety standards and regulations for methanol bunkering vessels.
ENEOS: Procurement of green methanol, marketing to methanol-fueled ship operators.
Nippon Yusen: Providing expert knowledge on onshore and onboard equipment based on experience cultivated in the field of alternative fuel bunkering.
SEACOR (a shipping company operating under the U.S. flag): Provides expertise on the ownership and operation of U.S. domestic vessels and advice on regulatory compliance for U.S. domestic vessels.
