Germany’s ICODOS Unveils World’s First Wastewater-To-Methanol Plant For Green Shipping

The global shipping industry contributes approximately 706 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually, making up 3% of total global emissions. Most containerships, oil tankers, and bulk carriers still rely on heavy fuel oil or marine diesel, emitting significant amounts of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.

A German start-up is now working to revolutionize the industry. ICODOS GmbH, in partnership with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Mannheim’s wastewater management company, has launched the world’s first facility that converts wastewater into methanol using renewable electricity.

A Breakthrough in Sustainable Fuel Production

Located in Mannheim, southern Germany, the plant transforms biogas from a local water treatment facility into methanol using green hydrogen. The German government has provided a $2.2 million subsidy for the project.

Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future

The facility, called “Mannheim 001”, currently produces 50 liters of methanol per day. However, by 2026, a larger plant near Paris is expected to increase production 15-fold.

To power modern container ships, which consume up to 250 tons (250,000 liters) of fuel per day, further scaling up will be required.

This pioneering approach could play a crucial role in decarbonizing global shipping, reducing emissions, and advancing clean energy solutions for the maritime industry.