Proman Stena Bulk JV orders another methanol-ready tanker

Proman Stena Bulk Ltd states methanol-ready 49,900-dwt MR chemicals and products tanker Stena Prosperous will have the latest generation MAN dual-fuel engines that feature revolutionary new water and fuel emulsion technology. This significantly reduces NOx emissions without the need for costly catalytic conversion technology.

The vessel 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 strict emissions criteria.

Stena Prosperous will initially be utilised by Stena Bulk within their traded pool of ships for two to three years. The vessel will therefore be the first methanol dual-fuel-powered ship traded on the chemicals/CPP market by a conventional shipowner without an active contract to a methanol producer. After this initial period, Stena Prosperous will enter into a long-term time charter with Proman Shipping.

This underlines both Stena’s and Proman’s confidence in methanol as one of the most viable low-emissions future marine fuels and their belief in the dual-fuel technology, as well as making methanol more readily available as a marine fuel for third-party shipping companies.

Methanol is already available at over 100 ports worldwide, including at all major bunkering hubs. It is a clean burning, safe to carry and fully biodegradable fuel, which provides a reduction in CO₂ emissions, eliminates SOx and particular matter completely, and cuts NOx emissions by 60% compared to traditional marine fuels.

For Stena Bulk, an internationally renowned shipowner, it further demonstrates the company’s commitment in developing methanol as a widely available and usable marine fuel, aiming to promote and encourage a pathway to greener shipping future.

Stena Bulk chief executive Erik Hånell said “Stena Bulk is very satisfied with the development of our joint venture with Proman Shipping, adding one more vessel into our joint venture. We see the strength in our joint commitment leading to new and exciting opportunities for us.

“It is in Stena Bulk´s objectives to contribute to making the shipping industry more sustainable. This joint venture is taking us in that direction with a partner whom we share many values that we believe will develop the shipping industry with new features driving improved performance and efficiency".

Proman chief executive David Cassidy said “This is an opportunity to build on the already excellent work we have achieved with Stena in our joint venture, which is now a three-vessel programme for the industry-leading IMOIIMeMAX dual-fuel vessels.

“These new vessels demonstrate our commitment to leading the transition towards methanol as a reliable marine fuel and are an exciting development for us as vessel owners. The vessels’ state-of-the-art fuel consumption and engine technology represent an important step in the move towards more sustainable shipping.”

“In making Stena Prosperous available to the general market for the transportation of chemicals, we seek to encourage other producers to gain experience with these innovative methanol-powered vessels and to benefit from the significant reduction in emissions that operating these vessels will deliver”.

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