Metasorbex™ is a startup in the chemical industry that offers technology to produce carbon-neutral and cost-effective methanol. Existing feedstocks or even waste streams from hydrogen industry can be used. Current cost for one metric ton of methanol in US is $400 to $500. Metasorbex’s technology could provide not only a carbon-neutral, but cheaper form of methanol. Maritime industry - in particular in EU - is most interesting due to incentives and penalties on CO2.

This is a case study of a trailing hopper suction dredger with 14MW installed power - the ‘Happy Hopper’ - which is converted to methanol combustion. This case study is inspired by the amazing work done by Van Oord. With the given assumptions on emission factors for methanol, 93% CO2 reduction is achieved. CAPEX for a methanol refit of this size is approximately €6M+, of which roughly €5M is intended for engine refit only. OPEX will be greatly increased unless methanol price is below €500 per mT.

This blog is a state of the use of methanol as marine fuel as “quick” reference for shipowners. Key points include costs for retrofitting the ship and engine, range between € 250-€650 per kW, elaboration on IGF code for low flashpoint fuels and technical considerations for conversion and working with methanol. Availability for methanol is good, but bunkering for large vessels mostly non-existent. Methanol price per kilogram is historically lower than regular MGO.

Learn about methanol, the simplest alcohol in the universe which has the highest hydrogen to carbon ratio of any liquid fuel under ambient atmospheric conditions. It can reduce SOx emission by 99%, NOx by 60% and PM by 95%.

This thesis by J.M. Rozendaal at van Oord focuses on the technical, environmental and economic impact of a methanol hybrid power plant design for new-build offshore working vessels. Its conclusion is that a methanol solution has a CO2 reduction potential up to 99% and a CO2 price of 78 euro per ton CO2 reduction.