Singapore-based Berge Bulk is launching a study into the feasibility of converting a bulk vessel to methanol fuel propulsion in a joint project with class society American Bureau of Shipping.
The six-month investigation will explore the possibility of converting the 210,000-dwt bulk carrier Berge Mauna Kea currently being built at Nihon Shipyard in Japan to operate on methanol fuel instead of heavy fuel oil.
The companies said they will consider issues such as the availability of methanol fuel and bunkering practicalities as well as the technical and economic aspects of converting the vessel due to be delivered in mid-2024.
“We see methanol as one of the solutions towards ongoing decarbonisation efforts. Existing technologies are available to convert methanol for use in our engines, whilst there are also procedures for bunkering of methanol and its use on board,” said Berge Bulk chief executive James Marshall.
Methanol emits lower levels of sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter than conventional marine fuels but to be truly green it will need to be produced using renewable energies from hydrogen.
Retrofitting alternative fuel capability to the global fleet is going to be critical to achieving sustainability goals, added Christopher Wiernicki, ABS chairman, president and chief executive.
ABS also today launched a green shipping corridors simulation service, with Wiernicki saying they will be at the heart of decarbonising shipping.
“But these initiatives require advanced analysis beginning at the pre-feasibility stage through the full life cycle of corridor development,” he said as a wide range of operational, policy and regulatory issues need to be considered.
Berge Bulk is trying out a number of green technologies including wind sails and inline shaft generators.
