First Asian ship fuelled by methanol may set sail from Singapore next year

Singapore

THE first ship destined to operate in Asian waters using methanol, a fuel touted with greener potential than liquefied natural gas (LNG), is expected to set sail in Singapore late next year - that is, if a pilot project takes off as planned.

Not-for-profit lobby group Methanol Institute (MI), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are co-funding this first-of-its kind project in Asia. While still at a pilot stage, a successful run could bolster interest in methanol as fuel to power ships, providing another option for shipowners that are preparing themselves for tough new green shipping rules on marine fuel that come into force in 2020.