Background
Methanol is one of the most promising climate-neutral fuels. The Norwegian Environment Agency has specified that for biomethanol, this can be considered zero-emission, as the carbon sources can be counted as zero if they come from biogenic sources and meet the sustainability and emission reduction criteria in the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Methanol as a fuel has been used on a limited number of vessels for several years (tested as a fuel for ships by Stena in 2015).
An increasing number of shipping companies are now planning to use green methanol as an alternative for reducing GHG emissions. As of March 2025, approximately 50 ships worldwide are prepared for the use of methanol, and the order books of shipyards suggest that this number will increase to around 300 ships within a couple of years.
Norwegian shipowners have also contracted several CSOV (Construction Service Operation Vessel) / SOV vessels for oil/gas and offshore wind operations prepared for the use of methanol (dual-fuel).
Various cargo/bulk ships as well as ocean-going fishing vessels are under planning. Heidelberg Materials is an example of a cargo owner considering this alternative.
Although methanol as a fuel also has its technical and safety aspects that must be addressed, this alternative is considered to be less challenging to implement for shipping than some of the other GHG-neutral alternatives. Ammonia and compressed or liquid hydrogen are more challenging. This applies both to retrofitting existing vessels as well as new builds.
Projects are underway for the establishment of large-scale methanol production. In parallel with the development of production capacity, it is considered important to establish distribution and delivery in relevant ports.
The goal of the pilot
Describe an effective and sustainable business model and supply chain for methanol to Heidelberg Materials and shipping in general, as well as identify necessary steps for realization.
Final goal of the pilot
Establish a cost-effective infrastructure for green methanol for Heidelberg Materials ships and other ships along the Norwegian coast.