New Zealand Gears Up For Its First-Ever Methanol-Powered Ship

Methanex New Zealand welcomed the Taranaki Sun today, a methanol-powered ship, to Port Taranaki to deliver yet another high-value shipment of methanol destined for Asia.

It’s exciting to see the Taranaki Sun vessel because it represents a significant contribution to New Zealand, economically and environmentally, says the MD of Methanex New Zealand, Dean Richardson.

The Taranaki Sun, and other methanol-powered ships in the Waterfront Shipping fleet, significantly lower the emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter while lowering CO₂ emissions.

It’s a proud moment as the contribution of Methanex is making to safeguard the environment, with its methanol observed globally as a cleaner-burning fuel compared to the other alternatives, added Dean.

Methanex, via its wholly owned subsidiary called Waterfront Shipping, has reportedly invested in 11 methanol-powered vessels. This represents about 40% of the global fleet. Waterfront Shipping was recognized recently in the Lloyd’s List Americas Awards 2018 for the Best Fuel Solution investments in sustainable and eco-friendly marine technology.

One of the largest ferry operators in the world, Stena Line, has also adopted the use of methanol as a marine fuel on the ferry named Stena Germanica, operating in the Baltic Sea.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has reportedly introduced regulations from 2020 requiring ocean-going vessels to use clean-burning fuel. Besides, there is a rapidly evolving market for methanol to replace non-compliant marine fuels.

Made using the clean-burning method, New Zealand-made methanol is now a viable alternative for vessels that operate in coastal waters.

Such a move would contribute to New Zealand’s climate goals and would also offer added energy security for New Zealanders, Dean mentioned after touring the methanol tanker named the Taranaki Sun with officials. At the same time, it was berthed at Port Taranaki.

References: Splash247, Methanex

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

US Navy Unmanned Surface Vessels Visit Yokosuka, Japan For The First Time

Posted on September 22, 2023

Unmanned Surface Vessel Division ONE, Unmanned Surface Vessel dubbed the “Ranger” is observed to be anchored at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

U.S Navy To Carry Out Biggest Overhaul of Its Top-Secret Undersea Surveillance Network To Counter China

Posted on September 22, 2023

The U.S. Navy has been investing billions of dollars for the revamp of its Cold War-time submarine detection system in the Pacific Ocean.

3 South African Navy Personnel Die After Being Swept Off Submarine Deck By Gigantic Wave

Posted on September 22, 2023

Sven members of the crew and a submarine were reportedly swept off the vessel’s deck by huge sea waves.

Ukraine Trolls Russia For Losing Its Attack Submarine To A Nation That Hardly Has A Navy

Posted on September 22, 2023

Ukraine is now taking a victory lap following a devastating attack on one of the main Black Sea ports last week, trolling Russia’s loss of its attack submarine.

Keel Laying Ceremony Held For US Navy’s Amphibious Assault Ship USS Fallujah

Posted on September 22, 2023

Future USS Fallujah is the fourth vessel of the America class of amphibious assault ships, built for facilitating the forward presence as well as power projection.