The Costa Group and the main methanol producer, Proman, have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the implementation of methanol as a marine fuel for the cruise sector.
The partnership aims to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonization of the fleet.
Today’s Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the potential of methanol to play a key role in the ongoing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the cruise industry and other segments of maritime transport.
Methanol is becoming one of the main alternative fuels to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets, and the infrastructure for supplying ships could be adapted from existing infrastructure.
All forms of methanol can be blended regardless of their production methods. Therefore, it allows for a reliable transition from current cruise ships to fully greenhouse gas-neutral vessels in the near future.
“The technology to retrofit a vessel to accept methanol as fuel is already available. Methanol-powered vessels have a proven track record of reducing and eliminating major greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in an immediate improvement in air quality in major ports and shipping lanes,” said Tim Cornelius, Managing Director of Corporate Development at Proman.
The Costa Group was the first to introduce liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and the Company has also carried out the first tests with biofuels.
“By allowing cruise ships to use methanol as propulsion fuel, Costa is continuing its ambition to take the next big step towards GHG neutrality in our fleet operations by 2050,” said Dr. Christoph Schladoer, Vice President of Decarbonization for the Costa Group.
