SGMF (The Global Marine Fuel Association) has published a new life cycle assessment (LCA) of methanol as a marine fuel, emphasizing its significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the production of renewable and synthetic methanol.
Review of Methanol Production Pathways
The study evaluates 15 methanol production pathways and shows that methanol produced using renewable energy sources can lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These findings reinforce the important role of methanol in the carbon reduction pathway within the shipping industry.
Release of Life Cycle Assessments Alongside Other Fuels
This report follows the release of the third version of the LNG life cycle assessment earlier this year and the first ammonia LCA in 2024. These three studies provide stakeholders with a comprehensive and science-based comparison of the emissions performance of alternative marine fuels.
The methanol LCA study was conducted by WSP and critically reviewed by industry experts and reputable academics. This assessment includes various production pathways that reflect the carbon intensity of each. Emission calculations are based on the performance of different engine types, including medium-speed four-stroke engines and low-speed two-stroke engines.
Mark Bell, the Director General and COO of SGMF, noted that life cycle assessments provide an overview of the industry's performance at a specific point in time. Given the rapid pace of innovation in alternative fuels, the organization emphasizes the need for regular updates to ensure that future studies accurately reflect technological developments and the latest GHG intensity data.
The report also points out that a set of specific production pathways, including co-processing approaches, may offer additional opportunities for emission reductions and may require further assessment.
Mark Bell further added: "SGMF is the only independent NGO in the fuel sector providing clear and fact-based information to the maritime industry, covering the technical and environmental aspects of future marine fuels. We take pride in being the first organization to conduct a comprehensive and high-quality assessment of methanol as a marine fuel."
Read more: Climate Change: Is the Earth on the Brink of Disaster?
