The Zoom session, part of the Dmet Club Sunday Citadel series, featured Chris Chatterton as the guest speaker. The session began with introductions by Luke Gracias and Prateek Khanna, who welcomed Chris and highlighted the participation of marine engineers, all alumni of the same institution. Prateek introduced Chris as an expert in green fuel, noting the growing importance of such fuels in the maritime industry as it moves towards net-zero emissions.
Chris started by sharing his professional journey, explaining his involvement with the Methanol Institute and his work in advancing methanol as a marine fuel.
He described his decade-long effort to bring methanol into the marine bunkering space, collaborating with companies like Methanex, MAN Engines, and Wärtsilä.
Session Recording
Chris highlighted key milestones in methanol’s development as a marine fuel, including the successful launch of methanol-powered vessels and the inclusion of methanol in the IGF code by 2020, which marked a significant turning point.
Chris elaborated on the challenges and opportunities in methanol adoption, emphasizing that methanol is versatile and could play a major role in reducing greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and other pollutants in maritime operations. However, the supply of methanol remains a significant challenge, as demand continues to grow, particularly from sectors like aviation and land transportation. Luke Gracias raised concerns about the supply chain and its ability to meet the future demand for methanol, given the increasing global competition for hydrogen-based fuels.
Chris acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic, discussing efforts by governments and industries to scale renewable power and hydrogen production, which are critical for increasing methanol availability. He noted that while methanol faces competition from other green fuels like ammonia, it is relatively easier to retrofit existing vessels to use methanol due to its liquid form and lower infrastructure costs compared to gaseous fuels.
Throughout the session, Chris responded to questions from attendees, including queries about the economic viability of retrofitting ships, the commercial aspects of methanol as a fuel, and the necessary safety precautions for handling methanol on board ships. He emphasised the importance of training for ship crews, noting that many are unfamiliar with the specific risks and handling procedures for methanol. Chris mentioned that the Methanol Institute and other organisations are working to develop comprehensive training programs to ensure safe operations.
Dilip Mukerjee, another attendee, raised questions about the economic challenges of adopting methanol and the need for lobbying efforts to promote its use. Chris explained that while methanol adoption is still costly, prices are gradually coming down as the market matures. He also discussed the role of governments and international organizations in setting policies that support the transition to green fuels.
The session concluded with further discussions on regulatory changes, particularly regarding the IGF code and its application to methanol as a ship fuel. Chris emphasised the importance of ongoing efforts to establish clear guidelines and standards for methanol bunkering and training,
Chris Chatterton emphasized the significant advancements in dual-fuel vessel technology, noting that these engines are now in their third generation after evolving from first and second-generation models. This progress highlights how innovations are being applied to the latest Maersk vessels, which incorporate advanced designs that contribute to higher efficiency. Chatterton expressed optimism about the future of these vessels, especially as they are designed to use dual fuel, enhancing their sustainability.
He mentioned that organizations like Maersk, with aggressive sustainability goals such as becoming carbon neutral by 2040—ten years ahead of the IMO's target—serve as a testament to how the maritime industry is adapting to environmental challenges.
Chatterton elaborated on how time, rather than technology, is seen as the biggest obstacle for companies like Maersk in achieving carbon neutrality. He acknowledged the challenges of removing hurdles related to fuel price, technology, and supply but remained confident in the industry's ability to overcome these obstacles. Prakash agreed that methanol is emerging as a promising fuel, with engines performing well, though challenges remain.
In response to Utkarsh Mishra's question about greenhouse gas emissions, Chatterton addressed the concerns surrounding the shift from methanol to LNG due to supply challenges, clarifying that shipping companies, including Maersk, will use whichever fuel allows them to remain competitive and compliant. He highlighted that while methanol and LNG are current solutions, they are not without their problems, such as methane slip, a significant concern given methane's high potential to harm the environment compared to CO2. Chatterton also emphasized the need for constant innovation and fuel flexibility, with each fuel bringing its own set of challenges and benefits.
Luke Gracias added that methane slip is already on the global regulatory agenda, being addressed through mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Technological advances, including satellite monitoring, have made it possible to track methane emissions, further underlining the environmental risks associated with LNG.
Chatterton explained that while LNG carriers have dedicated fuel systems, other vessels like container ships and bulk carriers face significant challenges when transitioning to alternative fuels like methanol or ammonia. These challenges include the need for segregated fuel systems, which adds to the cost and complexity of retrofitting or building new vessels.
However, he pointed out that technological advancements in fuel storage and delivery are helping to make these alternative fuels more viable for a wider range of vessels.
When asked about Green Marine’s role, Chatterton explained that the organization focuses on promoting methanol as a marine fuel and is actively involved in designing dual-fuel vessels, providing technical policy validation, and offering training. Their involvement in the production side of green fuels also extends to advising on the use of technologies like gasification, electrolysis, and carbon capture for fuel production.
Chatterton emphasised that Green Marine is at the forefront of these developments and is preparing to potentially enter the bunkering market as the demand for green fuels continues to rise.
The session concluded with expressions of gratitude from the attendees, including Prateek Khanna and Prakash, who thanked Chatterton for his detailed responses and insights. Chatterton reiterated his openness to future collaboration and further questions, stressing the need for the maritime industry to work together to achieve shared goals in sustainability.