The order for the tankers reflects the growing importance of methanol fuel in the quest for more sustainable shipping practices. The JP Morgan vessels will be chartered by TotalEnergies in the future.

JP Morgan announced this Wednesday, (30/08), the order of two advanced tankers powered by methanol in partnership with Guangzhou Shipbuilding International (GSI). Each vessel will have a capacity of 50.000 tons and will use dual-fuel technology, operating on both methanol and conventional fuels. The ships will be employed by TotalEnergies, the French energy leader, highlighting methanol as an ecological alternative. O investment of US$50 million per vessel signals a commitment to cleaner and more efficient transport solutions.

JP Morgan orders two methanol-powered tankers in partnership with GSI

Financial giant JP Morgan has taken a significant step towards a greener future, securing a standout order in the maritime industry.

In collaboration with China's Guangzhou Shipbuilding International, JP Morgan has ordered two innovative methanol-powered tankers.

This decision underscores the company's growing commitment to more sustainable transport solutions.

The tankers, each weighing a staggering 50.000 deadweight tons (dwt), represent a remarkable advance in transport capability.

They not only expand logistical capacity, but also embrace dual-fuel technology, allowing operation on methanol and conventional fuels.

This not only offers exemplary operational flexibility, but also promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Once delivered, these methanol-powered tankers will join the fleet of renowned French energy company TotalEnergies.

This represents an important milestone in the public-private collaboration to drive the adoption of cleaner fuels in the maritime industry.

The substantial investment of US$50 million per tanker demonstrates confidence in methanol's potential as a viable alternative.

JP Morgan is moving to keep pace with new trends in the marine market with long-term investment in clean fuel.

Use of methanol as fuel will bring strong benefits to tankers

The choice of methanol as fuel is not only a technical innovation, but also an environmental achievement.

The use of green methanol on board tankers offers notable advantages, from the elimination of atmospheric pollutants to the significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Compared to traditional marine fuels, green methanol is a promising solution to address environmental challenges.

Thus, JP Morgan's initiative follows in the footsteps of similar ventures in the maritime industry.

Singapore-based oil tanker company Hafnia has also booked the construction of methanol-powered MR chemical tankers, signed with GSI.

The four vessels are contracted for time charter to TotalEnergies' CSSA shipping entity, spanning several years. While three of them are expected to be delivered in 2025, the fourth will be made available in 2026.

This collaboration not only demonstrates the global reach of interest in methanol, but also signals a shift towards a more responsible transportation paradigm.

As the maritime industry looks for solutions to reduce its environmental footprint, collaboration between financial institutions, shipbuilding companies and energy companies shows the potential of methanol as potential on this trajectory of change.

JP Morgan's investment and partnership with TotalEnergies are essential steps towards a greener and more sustainable maritime horizon.

About JP Morgan

JP Morgan, a renowned US-based financial institution, plays a significant role in global financial markets. The company offers a wide range of financial services, including investment banking, asset management, commercial and retail banking, among others.