Northern Ireland looks to green methanol benefits

At an industry event in Antrim, the Maritime Power-to-X consortium, led by B9 Energy Storage, unveiled groundbreaking technology which will enable freight ferries to run on green methanol synthesised from wind-powered green hydrogen and captured carbon.

“Green methanol can deliver ‘true zero’ emissions by closing the carbon loop. This scalable solution has the potential to transform the maritime industry, establish green shipping corridors and help meet net zero goals,” said David Surplus OBE, managing director of B9 Energy Storage.

Alt fuels partnership

Partnering with industry leaders like DFDS, Teesside University and Larne Port, the project explores how alternative fuels can decarbonise shipping.

Mads Bentzen Billesø, head of innovation & partnerships at DFDS, said, “Green methanol’s benefits are clear. Our goal is to prove it can scale while recycling carbon.”

Supported by the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, this initiative aligns with the UK’s GB£206m commitment to decarbonise maritime operations.

With its pioneering approach to green methanol, Maritime Power-to-X is looking to redefine sustainable port infrastructure and accelerating the adoption of alternative fuels in global shipping.

Pre-deployment trials are set to begin at Larne Port next year.