Key Specifications
Purpose-built methanol dual-fuel vessels — notably Maersk's growing container fleet and a number of tankers and bulkers
Technical Detail
Supply chain maturity
The Maersk orderbook for methanol dual-fuel container vessels has been a major driver of methanol infrastructure investment. Rotterdam offered commercial green methanol bunkering in 2023-2024; Singapore, Shanghai, and other hubs are following.
Green vs grey methanol
'Grey' methanol is produced from natural gas — abundant and cheap but carbon-intensive. 'Green' methanol uses renewable power for electrolysis (hydrogen) and captured CO₂ — genuinely low-carbon but expensive and supply-constrained. 'Blue' methanol uses natural gas with carbon capture. Pricing and availability differ dramatically between these categories.
Storage and safety
Methanol is liquid at ambient temperature, simplifying storage versus LNG. It is toxic, miscible with water, and flammable with a wide flammability range. Onboard safety systems and crew training are required under IMO interim guidelines.
Cost and availability
Green methanol is significantly more expensive than VLSFO and global supply is limited. Most operational green methanol supply is currently committed to specific industrial offtake agreements rather than open-market sale.
Where to Bunker Methanol
Ports in our directory where Methanol is available as a standard commercial grade:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can existing engines run on methanol?
Most cannot without modification. Methanol-capable engines are dual-fuel (methanol plus diesel pilot fuel) and purpose-designed or retrofit. New methanol-ready orderbook vessels are the growth category.
Is methanol carbon-free?
Depends on production pathway. Green methanol (renewable electricity + captured CO₂) is effectively net-zero lifecycle. Grey methanol (from natural gas) is not. The certification chain matters for regulatory credit.
Where can I bunker methanol?
Rotterdam, Singapore, and a small but growing list of ports. Most bunker stems today are bilateral arrangements with specific suppliers rather than spot market. Confirm at nomination.
How does methanol cost compare to VLSFO?
Green methanol is typically 2-4× more expensive per energy unit than VLSFO. FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS compliance value can offset some of this; long-term pricing depends on renewable supply chain maturity.