Methanol and integrated fuel supply solutions

As the maritime sector drives toward decarbonisation, the integration of advanced, reliable infrastructure is crucial for adopting alternative fuels like methanol. Beyond cost and supply, the right systems and expertise at every stage of the fuel supply chain empower shipowners to make confident, future-oriented decisions.

This article explores essential considerations, typical hurdles, and actionable strategies for effective methanol fuel supply system integration in both retrofits and newbuild projects.

Methanol: a proven and sustainable marine fuel

Methanol (CH₃OH) stands out as one of the most mature and readily available alternative fuels for shipping. As a biodegradable wood alcohol and a fundamental feedstock for thousands of industrial products, methanol is the world’s most transported chemical, with over 95 billion litres produced annually. Its physical properties—a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure—render it highly adaptable to existing bunkering and fuel delivery infrastructure, setting it apart from other proposed marine fuels.

The environmental benefits of renewable methanol are compelling. Produced from sustainable biomass (bio-methanol) or through the synthesis of captured CO₂ and renewable hydrogen, methanol can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95%, decrease nitrogen oxide output by 80%, and eliminate both sulphur oxides and particulate matter. As regulatory requirements tighten and the IMO’s IGF Code and other guidelines mature, methanol’s compliance profile grows more robust, positioning it as a technically and environmentally viable choice for both current and future fleets.

Orders, retrofits and infrastructure 

The demand for methanol-capable shipping is surging. In 2024, the Methanol Institute raised its

renewable methanol production forecast to 20 million tonnes by 2028, propelled by a sharp increase in dual-fuel vessel orders and production projects. According to DNV, approx. 300 vessels are in the orderbooks and 100 already operating worldwide. The adoption is led by the container sector—around 70% of the methanol dual-fuel order book—exemplified by Maersk and other industry leaders investing in newbuilds and conversions.

Alongside vessel orders, bunkering infrastructure is rapidly advancing. Singapore, the world’s pre-eminent bunkering hub, is establishing the capacity to deliver methanol at scale, planning end-to-end solutions that will position the port as a key node in the global methanol supply network.

Forecasts suggest that bio- and e-methanol could account for 13.4% of total marine fuel demand by 2050, with 4.8% attributed to e-methanol and 8.6% to bio-methanol. This projection is based on Lloyd’s Register’s fuel mix scenarios, which consider both supply constraints and regulatory drivers.

Methanol’s appeal lies in its compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and lower retrofit costs compared to other fuels like LNG. According to the Methanol Institute, methanol can be stored and handled using conventional liquid fuel systems, requiring only minor modifications. DNV’s comparative cost analysis of methanol-fueled containerships further supports this, showing that methanol retrofits involve significantly lower capital expenditure than LNG systems due to simpler tank and piping requirements.

System interfaces, retrofitting and engineering

A key determinant of successful methanol adoption is the integration of fuel supply systems with vessel and engine architecture. Retrofitting is most viable for modern containerships under ten years old, tankers above 50,000 dwt, large bulkers, LPG carriers, and modern RoRo vessels, as identified by IEA and MAN Energy Solutions. Not all engine sizes have mature retrofit solutions, occasionally requiring the design and validation of bespoke configurations.

At the heart of each integration project is precise alignment with the engine maker’s requirements—captured in detailed Project Guides and realised through close collaboration between shipyards, owners, and classification societies. Auramarine’s methanol systems are engineered to comply with these standards, supporting applications on both two- and four-stroke engines, as well as other onboard consumers.

Our systems are designed to deliver methanol from bunkering stations to storage and service tanks and onward to engine inlets, regulating flow, pressure, and temperature in concert with advanced filtration and operational safety standards.

Sustainable growth

For ship owners and operators, successfully integrating methanol fuel systems requires overcoming technical uncertainty, regulatory complexity, and logistical hurdles. Auramarine’s expertise in fuel delivery facilitates this process through comprehensive design, planning, and project management, helping customers realise both regulatory compliance and tangible sustainability benefits.

The shipping sector’s transition to methanol is a strategic cornerstone for the industry’s broader energy transformation. With Auramarine’s proven track record and commitment to innovation, the maritime community can navigate the way forward with confidence, enabling investment, accelerating adoption, and supporting global decarbonisation goals.