Fugro lays groundwork for first methanol OSV conversion  

The company said Fugro Pioneer is ready to be equipped with methanol engines using green methanol as a fuel, which will reduce carbon emissions by more than 90% compared with conventional diesel, allowing clients to run their projects in a more sustainable manner.

The vessel conversion is part of its long-term ambitions of reaching net-zero operations by 2035.

Fugro Pioneer was converted in the Netherlands as part of the Fugro-led Methanol as Energy Step Towards Emission-free Dutch Shipping consortium with a grant received at the end of 2021 from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. 

The methanol market is set to grow with hundreds of new vessels on order. The now-completed vessel adjustments to Fugro Pioneer allow two of its four engines to be replaced by methanol engines, ensuring services can still be offered in regions where green methanol is not yet available. The delivery and installation of the methanol-capable engines is expected H2 2024. 

Fugro chief financial officer Barbara Geelen said: “The methanol conversion of Fugro Pioneer is not only a pivotal move in diminishing our vessel emissions as part of our Net Zero 2035 journey, but it also stimulates the green methanol market. We will continue to invest in innovative solutions that not only help our clients, but also support us in reaching our company objectives.”