Proman steps up methanol refuelling at Point Lisas, Trinidad

Proman has revealed its latest methanol-powered tanker, Stena Prosperous, was refuelled in the port of Point Lisas, Trinidad on 16 August with methanol produced at Proman’s local facilities.

Together with a stem supplied to Stena Pro Patria, the company will have supplied 2,100 tonnes of methanol fuel to ships in August alone, and 12,500 tonnes in the past 12 months, further demonstrating Trinidad’s potential as a methanol bunkering hub. 

The 49,900-dwt IMOIIMeMAX vessels are part of the six-strong fleet commissioned by Proman and Stena Bulk in 2019, and delivered between 2022 and January 2024. 

Stena Prosperous had just completed its voyage from its naming ceremony in Singapore in May, stopping in Indonesia, Brazil and the US port of Savannah before arriving in Trinidad.

Having been bunkered in Singapore with a 20/80 green/conventional methanol blend, the journey to Trinidad delivered CO2e savings of 31% compared with the same voyage operated on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

According to Proman, when used as a marine fuel, all forms of methanol virtually eliminate particulate matter and sulphur oxides and cut nitrogen oxides by up to 80% during combustion, compared with petroleum-based fuels.

With all six ships now on the water operating on methanol instead of VLSFO, the greenhouse gas emissions savings for 2024 are estimated to be more than 8,000 tonnes.

Proman executive director marketing and logistics, Anita Gajadhar said, “Methanol is increasingly becoming a mainstream marine fuel as shipowners understand its versatility and cleaner-burning properties. Because every methanol molecule is the same, no matter what feedstock it is produced from, it can be blended as production of green methanol is ramped up over time, providing a pathway to net zero.”

“Stena Prosperous’ journey from Singapore to Trinidad has showcased this and the ability of shipowners to meet the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions reductions required by IMO and regulatory frameworks such as Fuel EU Maritime with methanol.”

Data from DNV shows 300 methanol-fuelled vessels are expected to be on the water by 2027, not including bunker barges or retrofits, and over 70 have been ordered so far in 2024 alone.

Proman Trinidad managing director of operations Aleeya Ali said, “The huge increase in orders for methanol-fuelled ships, and our regular refuelling here in Trinidad, shows the viability of methanol as a marine fuel and the potential of Point Lisas and Trinidad as a bunkering hub.”

“We are proud to not only export Trinidad-produced methanol, which supports jobs, the local economy and our communities, but to also put Trinidad on the map as a hub for cleaner, alternative marine fuel.”