Methanol, the alternative fuel for maritime transport

In 2022, a total of 275 ships used alternative fuels for LNG and methanol, according to a DNV analysis. Most of the vessels were container ships (74%) and pure car and truck carriers, while product tankers ranked third with 9% of orders.

Methanol ranked as the second most popular alternative fuel for newbuild ship orders last year, with 35 ships—primarily containerships—ordered with this fuel.

Compared to LNG, methanol fuel systems are less expensive and easier to install, especially on smaller ships. If there is one thing to note about 2022, it is that it was the year methanol established itself as an alternative to LNG, and engine manufacturers reported unprecedented interest in methanol engines.

(gcaptain, 2023)