American Bureau of Shipping, ENEOS, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, and SEACOR Holdings Inc. have begun a joint study to develop a methanol bunkering and supply chain network along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The four parties aim to establish the first commercial-scale ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations in the U.S. In the global maritime industry, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, and practical solutions are increasingly required. Low-carbon methanol produced from renewable or bio-based sources is gaining attention as a next-generation marine fuel due to its easy handling as a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, as well as its potential to reduce GHG emissions.
ENEOS will explore the procurement and supply of low-carbon methanol, including green methanol to be produced by C2X, a company in which ENEOS holds an equity stake, through the Beaver Lake Renewable Energy project in Louisiana.
NYK Line will leverage its experience in developing LNG bunkering infrastructure and provide technical expertise for preparing methanol bunkering vessels.
SEACOR will contribute its expertise as a long-term Jones Act qualified owner and operator of diversified assets across the U.S. coastwise and inland waterways, in addition to its design, engineering and construction capabilities.
ABS will provide class and regulatory support needed to establish methanol bunkering operations in the U.S.
