DNV: Methanol as marine fuel at high readiness level
(Posted on 02/12/25)
As the industry explores multiple decarbonisation pathways, methanol is gaining attention as a practical and scalable alternative fuel for deep-sea shipping. This is supported by over 450 methanol-capable vessels in operation and on order and technical solutions now available for all major ship types.
DNV’s latest white paper, “Methanol fuel in shipping,” highlights that methanol-fuelled engines and technical systems have reached high readiness levels, and that existing global production sites, storage facilities, and a growing bunker fleet are providing a strong platform for wider adoption. In addition, industry stakeholders are already investing in the fuel, with China accounting for 43 percent of planned global low-GHG methanol production capacity. But, as with all alternative fuels, methanol’s future role will depend on a combination of regulatory, economic, and operational factors.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV said: “As the maritime industry explores pathways to a lower-carbon future, it is important to consider a range of practical and scalable solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and different shipping segments and geographies will require different approaches. Methanol is one option that draws on established technologies and infrastructure, and it is encouraging to see the industry’s growing interest in a variety of alternative fuels.”
Methanol can offer environmental benefits. It is sulfur-free, produces negligible soot, and emits significantly less NOx than fuel oil. The report highlights that certain bio- and e-methanol pathways can deliver very low or even negative lifecycle emissions, and that methanol’s compatibility with existing port infrastructure and the availability of interim bunkering solutions may also reduce complexity and cost for shipowners.
However, the report notes that cost and availability remain significant barriers, as is the case for many alternative fuels. Bio-methanol prices in 2025 average around USD 2,500 per tonne MGOe, roughly three times the cost of marine gas oil, while global production stands at just 2.2 million tonnes, far below the potential demand of up to 60 million tonnes by 2040. The report models four demand scenarios, showing that regulatory frameworks such as the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework and FuelEU Maritime could be decisive in scaling up adoption.
Marius Leisner, Senior Principal Consultant in DNV added: “From a technical perspective, methanol-fuelled engines have demonstrated high reliability, with industry data indicating that modern dual-fuel engine designs have accumulated more than 600,000 operating hours on methanol. Retrofit feasibility is well established, and the use of conventional bunkering systems, unlike cryogenic fuels, means ports can adapt quickly and cost-effectively.”
Methanol also provides fuel flexibility: dual-fuel engines can operate on methanol, biodiesel, or conventional fuels, and, with minor modifications, on ethanol. DNV’s Fuel Selector service and Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform offer shipowners data-driven guidance on compliance costs and transition strategies.
Latest News
BAR Technologies appoints Panmarine to support Greece and Cyprus growth
(Posted on 29/05/26)BAR Technologies has appointed Panmarine & Industrial Services Ltd. as its commercial consultant... Read more
ClassNK releases Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval
(Posted on 29/05/26)ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval (3DMBA)”, which summarizes... Read more
IRS awards Type Approval Certification to GRSE for Marine Hull and Line Valves
(Posted on 29/05/26)Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce the handover of Type Approval Certificate to... Read more
Superior’s Patriot Cone Crushers gain more horsepower options
(Posted on 29/05/26)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Partnership creates secure digital backbone for maritime cyber security
(Posted on 25/05/26)A strategic partnership signed between Cydome and Rakuten Maritime aims to provide shipping companies... Read more
Liebherr opens Digital Solutions Campus in Hamburg during TOC Europe
(Posted on 25/05/26)At TOC Europe, Liebherr presented a comprehensive maritime portfolio combining digital tools and its... Read more
ESL Shipping and QMill explore quantum computing for complex shipping decisions
(Posted on 22/05/26)Leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, ESL Shipping, has launched a multi-year research... Read more
Third electric LPS 550 strengthens PD Ports bulk handling capability
(Posted on 14/05/26)An LPS 550 fitted with an electric drive has been delivered to Middlesbrough from Liebherr’s Baltic... Read more
‘Smart ships’ failing to turn data into real intelligence, warns SmartSea
(Posted on 13/05/26)The maritime industry’s push towards “smart shipping” is falling short, with many... Read more
Steelpaint completes trial coating on Mur shipping bulker
(Posted on 11/05/26)Steelpaint GmbH, the German manufacturer of high-performance single-component moisture cure polyurethane... Read more
