- Methanol and Ammonia Move from Theory to Practice in Shipping Fuels.
- Report Finds Fuels ‘Ready’ but Warns of Supply Chain Gaps.
- Global Maritime Forum Calls for Policy and Industry Action.
Both ammonia and methanol have leapt from being just theoretical ideas to actual zero-emission fuels for shipping, as highlighted in a recent report from the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition. The report, titled From pilots to practice: Methanol and ammonia as shipping fuels, is based on insights from around 40 key players in the industry. It reveals that both fuels are now deemed ready for use, methanol for low-carbon operations and ammonia for initial piloting. This is a significant advancement since the first edition of the report was released in 2020, reports Global Maritime Forum.
Supply Chain Challenges Remain
However, the report also points out that there are still challenges to overcome. Both fuels will need more robust efforts to be fully prepared for rapid scaling by 2030. The supply chain is identified as a major obstacle. For methanol, the focus is on increasing the availability of green molecules, while for ammonia, the priority lies in validating and implementing commercial bunkering at essential ports.
Call for Policy and Industry Action
Jesse Fahnestock, director of decarbonisation at the Global Maritime Forum, said: “We have seen excellent progress in the development of zero-emission fuels and technologies over recent years, with methanol and ammonia having now shifted from potential solutions towards initial scale and proof of concept. However, we are only at the start of our journey and technology readiness is not enough by itself. To scale zero-emission fuels at the pace required, we need action from the International Maritime Organization, national policymakers and the industry to create the right enabling conditions; this will be just as vital as the development of the technology itself.”
Tracking Progress Since 2020
Since 2020, the Global Maritime Forum has been keeping a close eye on the landscape of zero-emission projects in shipping through its Mapping of Zero-Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects. This year, the focus has shifted a bit; it’s all about evaluating the current state of methanol and ammonia, gathering valuable insights from industry leaders, and outlining the key priorities that will steer us toward long-term decarbonization.
Methanol Status and Challenges
Methanol is making impressive strides from just a concept to early implementation, with:
- Over 60 vessels are already capable of using methanol
- About 300 more on the way
- Bunkering services are available at around 20 ports
Early adopters have found methanol to be relatively safe and easy to incorporate into their operations. While its lower energy density does present some operational challenges, it hasn’t stopped progress. Retrofit kits and adaptable tank conversions are making it easier to upgrade existing vessels. The biggest hurdle right now is supply; green methanol is still a small part of what’s available, and shipping companies are having a tough time accessing it in large quantities.
Ammonia Status and Progress
Ammonia is on the verge of becoming a viable marine fuel. Engine tests show it could reduce tank-to-wake emissions by as much as 95%. Some key developments include:
- Successful trials of the first ammonia-powered vessels
- Engine testing is wrapping up
- Ongoing trials for bunkering
So far, no major obstacles have come to light, and operators feel confident about handling ammonia safely. We expect adoption to start gradually, allowing everyone to gain experience as we move forward.
Actions Proposed by Early Movers
To accelerate fuel development and supply chain maturity, early adopters recommend:
- Policy incentives and funding to close the cost gap for green methanol and ammonia
- Robust, harmonised fuel certification systems to unlock investment and avoid greenwashing
- Book-and-claim systems linking global demand to zero-emission supply on viable routes
- Aggregating demand to create investment cases for bunkering infrastructure
- CAPEX grants to support bunkering vessel and infrastructure investment
- Collaboration through green corridors, joint trials, and feasibility studies at key ports
- Closing gaps in the availability of engines and spare parts
- Strong IMO emissions guidelines to ensure biomass sustainability and control fugitive emissions
- Independent verification of ammonia vessel emissions performance
- Cross-industry knowledge sharing through safety workshops at shipyards and with insurers
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Source: Global Maritime Forum
