The global shipbuilding industry reports that methanol-powered ships will become more mainstream in 2023. According to experts, this is also due to the many international environmental protection measures that have made the fuel (which produces less carbon emissions) more attractive compared to liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Methanol emerged as the most used alternative fuel in 2023, with 138 ships ordered, a sharp increase from the 35 ordered in 2022.
The latest statistics from DNV's Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform found that methanol-powered vessels accounted for 138 of the 298 alternative fuel vessels on order in 2023, compared to 130 LNG vessels.
The increase is due to a significant volume of container ships ordered. According to the platform, 106 container ships were ordered, followed by 13 bulk carriers and 10 car carriers.
Methanol has become a popular alternative fuel to LNG because it emits less carbon dioxide and has greater storage flexibility. While LNG-powered ships need ultra-cold fuel tanks to keep the fuel liquid, methanol-powered ships can store their liquid fuel at room temperature without the need for additional means for storage.
South Korean shipbuilders are also entering the market thanks to their advanced methanol engine technology. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. and Samsung Heavy Industries Co managed to get 60 percent of the market share, winning 42 of 70 new construction orders for methanol-powered container ships in 2023.
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