Research says ports embracing methanol

The Methanol Institute says that its new data on the global availability of methanol will be hosted on the DNV GL Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform.

“A persistent question we hear is to what extent methanol could be available as a fuel to support compliance with IMO 2020 and reduce NOx, PM and carbon emissions,” says Chris Chatterton, COO, Methanol Institute.

“This co-operation with DNV GL will provide shipowners with the information they need to make decisions about adoption of this proven, compliant, future fuel.”

Uptake

The analysis, conducted for MI by Infiniti Research, found that of these ports that have methanol available, 47 have confirmed storage capabilities of more than 50,000 mt.

Infiniti initially conducted research at 56 of the world’s leading ports where methanol is known to be stored and shipped.

A further 66 ports with methanol supply and storage confirmed by suppliers were identified by Infiniti through both primary and secondary sources.

The Port of Antwerp is one port embracing the potential of the fuel, it is undertaking a leading a new pilot project which aims to produce 4,000-8,000t of sustainable methanol per year.

Methanol is the starting point for many chemical processes used daily by the industrial players in the port.

Around 300,000t of methanol is used by the port annually for chemical processes and fuel production, it’s used in everything from insulation panels to fuel additives.