methanol

ChatGPT generated this panoramic caricature of the aviation vs. shipping fuel tug-of-war, with an angry airplane and cargo ship battling over barrels of vegetable oil and biomethanol

Mea Culpa: Biomethanol Will Be A Major Shipping Fuel

For the past week I’ve been working with a team of deep and broad experts in decarbonization in the Netherlands. The transmission system operator TenneT invited me and other experts to assist them with their Target scenario for 2050 to enable them to plan for transmission upgrades and space requirements … [continued]

ChatGPT generated: A hybrid cargo ship at port, clearly labeled with "HYBRID," "BATTERIES," and "BIODIESEL," symbolizing the convergence of pragmatic low-emission technologies in maritime transport

Why Shipping’s Low-Carbon Future Relies More on Batteries & Biofuels Than Methanol

Maritime shipping, responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, stands at an unprecedented turning point. As we progress toward mid-century, decarbonization is no longer optional but mandatory, driven by stringent international regulations, including the International Maritimate Organization’s recent fuel carbon pricing decision and corporate sustainability commitments. This requirement … [continued]

DALL·E generated image of an electric container ship sailing on a beautiful sea under a clear sky, digital art

Atlantic Crossing By Methanol-Powered Ship Is Neither Viable Nor Carbon Neutral

Over the past couple of years, I’ve reached the end of my first set of scenarios for marine decarbonization through 2100. My bets are on batteries for all inland and two-thirds of short-sea shipping, and biofuels for the rest. It took me years to work through the aspects of synthetic … [continued]