Exploring the transition to methanol as a maritime fuel: Challenges and opportunities

Despite being a convenient and promising substitute for fossil fuels, methanol’s progress has been relatively slow, raising concerns about market reluctance and encountered challenges hindering widespread adoption. We emphasize the distinct varieties of methanol, including grey, blue, bio, and e-methanol, each with varying environmental impacts.

While grey methanol is suitable for short-term testing, green methanol achieves a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, paving the way for decarbonizing the shipping sector. However, challenges such as cost, production capacity, and legal restrictions need to be addressed.

The cost of methanol, although expected to decrease due to economies of scale, remains higher than fossil fuels. Bunkering challenges, limited international agreements, and information gaps further complicate methanol’s adoption. Collaboration, renewable methanol production, and clear legislation are crucial to accelerate the transition and pave the way for a greener maritime future.

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