Propelling the maritime industry to sustainability with methanol Sustainable methanol is emerging as a promising solution towards achieving ambitious emission reduction goals in the maritime industry
Zinovia Skoufa Johnson Matthey
T he shipping industry is hard to transport looks to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transition away from fossil fuels, and make use of renewable feedstocks. Methanol engines are already available and being used on vessels, making this fuel a promising pathway for reducing emissions in maritime transportation today. The sector is pivotal in the global economy, serving as the backbone of international trade and commerce. With more than 80% of the world’s goods transported by sea, maritime shipping facilitates the movement of raw materials, commodities, and finished products across continents and oceans. By connecting markets and facilitating trade, the industry enables businesses to access diverse markets, source materials globally, and distribute goods efficiently. This interconnectedness fosters economic growth, drives industrial development, and supports job creation worldwide. decarbonise, but renewable methanol is emerging as a key option as maritime
Current impact of shipping on global emissions The shipping industry, while indispensable to global trade, also contributes significantly to GHG emissions and environmental pollution. Accounting for around 2-3% of global emissions, it represents a substantial yet often overlooked source of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter released into the atmosphere. Despite efforts to improve fuel efficiency and adopt cleaner technologies, the sheer scale of shipping operations means that even incremental reductions in emissions can have a substantial impact. The reliance on heavy fuel oils and the operation of large, often inefficient vessels exacerbate the industry’s environmental footprint. Increasing awareness of climate change and the urgency to mitigate its effects are putting growing pressure on the shipping industry to adopt more sustainable practices and driving it towards cleaner fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and alternative propulsion systems.
Both e-methanol and bio-methanol offer renewable and lower carbon intensity pathways to decarbonise shipping
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