Methanol

• Liquid fuel, similar to conventional fuel to handle.
• The simplest form of alcohol with the most favourable hydrogen to carbon ratio.
• Energy density just under half that of conventional marine fuels.

No;

• Used in limited capacity and as fuel onboard methanol carriers since 2016.
• Not widely available.
• Full regulatory guidelines not yet complete.

Yes;

• When produced from fossil fuels, methanol has little/no environmental benefit over conventional fuels.
• Green methanol can be produced from both bio-waste and renewable energy with biogenic carbon capture.
• Green methanol has the potential to reduce full life cycle emissions by up to 99% for e-methanol and 70%+ for bio-methanol.
• Reduces Nox emissions by 30-60%.
• Significant reduction in particulate matter.

• Methanol is a low flashpoint fuel (flashpoint 11-12°C.
• Methanol can be highly toxic if ingested or inhaled as vapour.

• Methanol is stored in a conventional style tank (similar to conventional fuels).
• Tanks used for the storage of methanol need to have an advanced coating (typically Inorganic Zinc) applied to all surfaces.

• Requires a methanol capable engine (not a conventional diesel or fuel oil one).
• Engines are available in 2-stroke and 4-stroke configurations.
• All methanol engines require a pilot fuel.

• Globally traded, but not widely available in small parcels for bunkering.
• Dedicated supply chains developing in NW Europe.
• May be offered at methanol production and terminals worldwide in the future.