Proman expands methanol fleet

PARTNERS IN GREEN

METHANOL • AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING PRODUCERS OF METHANOL, PROMAN IS LEADING THE WAY IN DEVELOPING A MARKET FOR USE OF THE FUEL IN TANKER BUNKERING

PROMAN HAS EXPANDED its newbuilding order at Guangzhou Shipyard with another two 49,900-dwt methanol-powered product/ chemical carriers. The two new orders, to be named Provident and Progressive, are due for delivery in late 2023, following on from the existing order, Promise, due to arrive with Proman in third quarter 2022.

The latest newbuildings will use the same MAN B&W Tier III engines as Promise and the three similar ships ordered by its joint venture with Stena Bulk. They will also be equipped with the latest energy efficiency technology, including continually controlled combustion, optimised tuning, redesigned and aerodynamic hull lines, and an energy shaft generator, reducing fuel consumption and helping to meet emissions criteria.

“This is a significant and exciting investment for Proman,” says CEO David Cassidy. “It reflects not only our continued growth but also our commitment to leading the way to a greener shipping future. Methanol has huge potential to bridge the gap from fossil to fully renewable fuels, with its clean-burning and biodegradable qualities making it particularly attractive as a marine fuel.

“As the second largest global methanol producer, which we transport to all major bunkering ports, alongside our growing investment in green methanol production and vessel ownership, Proman has a presence at every part of the clean shipping value chain,” Cassidy adds.

PROMAN AND STENA BULK ARE LEADING THE WAY

Each vessel will use approximately 12,500 tonnes per annum of methanol as a marine fuel. Using widely available ‘grey’ methanol produced from natural gas, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the vessels’ normal commercial operations will be significantly reduced compared to conventional marine fuels, including the virtual elimination of sulphur and particulate matter, a 60 per cent reduction of nitrogen oxide and 10-15 per cent cut in carbon dioxide emissions.

SHIPS TO COME Proman will continue to work with Stena Bulk as project manager in the newbuilding phase and as ship manager of the three new ships through its Northern Marine unit. Stena Bulk itself has recently signed long-term timecharters on two Eco-MR tankers being built at Hyundai Mipo for first half 2022 delivery. The 50,000-dwt newbuilds, which will be named Stena Convoy and Stena Conductor, are said to be nearly 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than the first generation of eco vessels. Stena Bulk is also due to take delivery of the 49,000-dwt Stena Pro Patria, the first of the three methanolfuelled newbuilds ordered in collaboration with Proman, around the same time.

Proman and Stena Bulk see methanol as offering a future-proof pathway to meeting future environmental restrictions in the shipping industry. “With regulatory approval from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and growing take-up from some of the world’s largest shipping companies, methanol’s global availability, ease of handling and highly scalable sustainable pathway makes it hard to beat as the shipping sector’s pathway fuel to the future,” says Anita Gajadhar, managing director of Proman Marketing, Logistics and Shipping.

“With the combined advances in vessel design, engine technology and the use of low-emission methanol fuel, these newbuildings will set a new benchmark for sustainable future-ready MR tankers,” she adds. www.proman.org www.stenabulk.com