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With This “Endeavor,” China Merchants Will Become a Pioneer in Using Methanol as Fuel for Transporting Oil
China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), one of the largest shipping companies listed in Shanghai, is innovating by ordering the first MAN B&W 7G80ME-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) engine for the world’s first Methanol-Fueled Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), according to MarineLink.
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co (DSIC) will be responsible for building the oil tanker, with delivery expected in April 2026. This move highlights CMES as a pioneer in using methanol as fuel, marking a significant shift in the sector.
Advanced Technology: Dual-Fuel Engine and EGR Emission System
CSE (China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation Diesel Engine Co., Ltd.) will be in charge of building the engine, which not only burns methanol but also incorporates MAN Energy Solutions’ advanced EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) emission system.
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Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions, emphasizes the uniqueness of the project, noting that CMES leads not only in the fuel choice but also in emission technology, indicating a comprehensive commitment to sustainability on the new oil tanker.
Methanol as Marine Fuel, Future of Sustainability
The ME-LGIM dual-fuel engine from MAN Energy Solutions offers not only efficient burning of methanol but also the flexibility to operate with conventional fuels. With over 150 ME-LGIM engines already on order or in service, Thomas S. Hansen, Head of Promotion and Customer Support at MAN Energy Solutions, highlights the growing demand for methanol-powered engines as an essential part of decarbonizing the maritime fleet.
The order from CMES represents not only a technological innovation but a firm step towards a more sustainable future for oil shipping.
This advance comes after a recent order from CMES for methanol GenSets and MAN B&W ME-LGIM main engines, highlighting a continuous commitment to the transition to low-carbon fuels. China Merchants Energy Shipping is at the forefront of transforming the maritime sector for oil exploration, driving the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable technologies. Stay tuned for updates as the industry moves towards a future powered by greener fuels.
The Methanol and Its Functioning Within an Engine
A methanol-fueled engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses methanol as the primary fuel. The methanol is a colorless, odorless, flammable liquid with low viscosity that can be produced from renewable sources like biomass or non-renewable sources like natural gas. It is an alternative to traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel and has been considered in various applications due to its favorable characteristics.
Methanol is corrosive and presents specific challenges in terms of storage and distribution, especially due to its affinity for water, which can lead to the corrosion of certain materials. The energy efficiency of methanol-fueled engines can vary, but in general, they can be designed to have good thermal efficiency.
Methanol is flammable, and safety measures should be considered when handling it. Additionally, there are concerns about the toxicity of methanol, and inhalation or ingestion in significant amounts can be harmful to health. Besides being used in internal combustion engines, methanol can also be used in fuel cells, where it is electrochemically converted into electricity.
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