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United Heavy Lift sets sights on methanolpowered dualfuel ships
Germany-based multipurpose shipping company United Heavy Lift (UHL) prefers methanol as marine fuel for its future fleet of vessels, Andreas Rolner, Managing Director of the company revealed. The company is currently working on various newbuilding projects in an effort “to become the most sustainable player in its market segment”.
UHL has already developed designs for its next-gen vessels that will comply with the latest environmental regulations. The innovative ship concepts are larger than the current units in the UHL fleet, in line with the new market requirements, according to Rolner. “New ships will certainly be IMO Tier III compliant but we are also looking at dual-fuel engines,” Rolner said. Alternative fuel “It is now the question which path one
should take — green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. It is still difficult to say which one.” Rolner added that UHL is in ongoing contact with engine manufacturers to explore what will be the most suitable technology of the future. He further explained that the problem is that United Heavy Lift operates worldwide and therefore needs to have a guarantee that a certain alternative fuel will be available in enough quantities. Therefore, dual-fuel propulsion is the right option for the
company. When asked about preferences regarding alternative future fuels, UHL Managing Director said it is methanol. “I think that we go in the direction of methanol… The product is not yet available on the market but we are confident that it will change in the coming years,” Rolner pointed out. Future proof In order to make its existing ships fu-
