Introduction 1

Methanol: A Clean and Versatile Fuel for Marine Engines 2

What is Methanol and How is it Produced? 2

Why is Methanol a Suitable Fuel Source for Ships? 2

Advantages of Using Methanol as a Fuel for Marine Engines 2

How Methanol-Powered Ships Work: An Overview 3

Methanol: A Game-Changer in Marine Transportation 3

Types of Methanol-Powered Ships and Their Capabilities 3

Notable Examples of Methanol-Powered Ships in Use Today 3

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Methanol-Powered Ships 4

Environmental Benefits: 4

Economic Benefits: 4

Meeting Emissions Reduction Targets: 4

Challenges and Limitations of Methanol-Powered Ships 4

Key-takeaway 5

What are Methanol Powered Ships?

Introduction

The global shipping industry is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2-3% of the world's total emissions. As the world moves towards decarbonization, finding ways to reduce emissions in the shipping sector has become a top priority. One potential solution is methanol-powered ships, which use methanol as a fuel source instead of traditional options like diesel or heavy fuel oil.

Methanol-powered ships are vessels that use methanol to generate energy for propulsion and other onboard systems. Methanol is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions than traditional fossil fuels, making it an attractive option for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Studies have shown that methanol-powered ships can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15% compared to traditional fuels.

The use of methanol as a fuel source is part of a broader trend toward future fuels, which are cleaner and more sustainable than traditional options. Future fuels are essential for achieving the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) goal of reducing shipping industry emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels.

In this article, we'll explore the concept of methanol-powered ships in more detail. We'll look at what methanol is and how it's produced, as well as the benefits and challenges of using methanol as a fuel source for ships. We'll also discuss the different types of ships utilizing methanol and their capabilities, and highlight some notable examples of methanol-operating ships in use today. 

By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of why methanol-powered ships are an important part of the future of the shipping industry.

Methanol: A Clean and Versatile Fuel for Marine Engines

What is Methanol and How is it Produced?

Methanol is a colorless liquid that is commonly used as a feedstock in the production of chemicals and plastics. It is also a potential fuel source for marine engines. Methanol is produced from a variety of feedstocks, including natural gas, coal, and biomass. The production process involves the conversion of these feedstocks into synthesis gas, which is then converted into methanol using a catalytic process.

Why is Methanol a Suitable Fuel Source for Ships?

One of the key properties of methanol that makes it a suitable fuel for marine engines is its clean-burning nature. Methanol produces significantly fewer emissions than traditional fossil fuels such as diesel or heavy fuel oil. It is also less prone to produce soot, which can contribute to air pollution and reduce the efficiency of marine engines.

Advantages of Using Methanol as a Fuel for Marine Engines

In addition to being a cleaner fuel source, methanol has other advantages over traditional fuels. It has a high octane rating, which means that it can be burned at a higher compression ratio, leading to increased engine efficiency. It also has a lower viscosity than heavy fuel oil, which means that it can flow more easily through fuel lines and injectors, reducing the risk of engine damage.

Overall, using methanol as a fuel source for marine engines offers a range of benefits over traditional options. It is a cleaner and more efficient fuel, which can help reduce emissions and improve the performance of marine engines. 

As the shipping industry continues to transition towards future fuels, methanol is likely to play an important role in helping to achieve the IMO's emissions reduction targets.

How Methanol-Powered Ships Work: An Overview

Methanol: A Game-Changer in Marine Transportation

Methanol-powered ships are an increasingly popular choice for marine transportation, as they offer a cleaner and more efficient fuel source than traditional options. In a methanol-powered ship, methanol is stored in tanks and delivered to the engines through a fuel system similar to those used for traditional fuels. Once in the engine, the methanol is burned to produce heat, which is then converted into mechanical energy to power the ship.

Types of Methanol-Powered Ships and Their Capabilities

There are several different types of methanol-powered ships, ranging from small vessels to large cargo ships. Some ships are powered solely by methanol, while others use it as part of a hybrid system with other fuels. Methanol-powered ships have demonstrated impressive capabilities, with some achieving speeds of up to 50 knots and ranges of over 3000 nautical miles.

Notable Examples of Methanol-Powered Ships in Use Today

There are already several notable examples of methanol-powered ships in use today. One such example is the Stena Germanica, a passenger ferry that operates in the Baltic Sea. The ferry is powered by four methanol-burning engines and has demonstrated impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions. Another example is the Waterfront Shipping fleet, which includes several methanol-powered tankers that operate around the world.

Methanol-powered ships are becoming an increasingly attractive option for marine transportation, as they offer a range of benefits over traditional fuels. They are cleaner, more efficient, and can help shipping companies meet emissions reduction targets. As more ships transition to methanol, we will likely see even more impressive capabilities and advancements in this technology in the future.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Methanol-Powered Ships

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduced emissions of harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM).

• Improved air quality in ports and surrounding communities.

• Lower carbon footprint, as methanol can be produced from renewable sources such as biomass and waste materials.

Economic Benefits:

• Lower operating costs due to the lower price of methanol compared to traditional marine fuels.

• Increased efficiency of marine engines, resulting in lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

• Reduced need for costly exhaust gas cleaning systems required to meet emissions regulations with traditional marine fuels.

Meeting Emissions Reduction Targets:

• Methanol-powered ships can help meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050.

• Methanol is a viable option for complying with upcoming sulfur emission regulations (IMO 2020) and can help reduce the shipping industry's contribution to air pollution.

Challenges and Limitations of Methanol-Powered Ships

• Discussing the limitations of methanol as a marine fuel, including safety concerns, storage and handling challenges, and limited infrastructure.

• Highlighting ongoing research and development efforts to overcome these limitations and improve the performance of methanol-powered ships, such as new fuel cell technologies and advanced engine designs.

• Examining the potential for increased adoption of methanol as a marine fuel and the need for further investment in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to support its use in the future.

Key-takeaway

Methanol is a promising alternative fuel source for ships that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Methanol-powered ships offer several benefits, including lower operating costs, increased efficiency, and the potential to help meet emissions reduction targets. 

Despite some challenges and limitations, ongoing research and development efforts are underway to address these issues and improve the performance of methanol-powered ships. As the shipping industry continues to shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly options, methanol is emerging as a viable solution that holds great promise for the future of marine engines and marine fuel.

What is Maglev technology or Maglev system ? How it will be used at Panama canal for container transport.

 Maglev system uses sets of electromagnets, one use to push and repel and other set to move.

This technology will be used at isthmus of panama, this system would provide a new shipping route to avoid the bottlenecks at panama canal. this would be applied by well known startup companies.

the startups call for building of tunnel and spread hugely. there would be covered berths at ports, where containers would be discharged and sent to transport system where Maglev technology would be used.

this startups projects under feasibility studies, system would complete by 2028 and would require huge funds.

The major places where this system will be introduced will be Central Columbia and south America.

this area now is majorly handled by companies such as CMA CGM, Hyundai and brazil investors.

this system would aid in digitization and automation for neighboring port facilities.

Hope you like this content, please share and keep visiting our website for more updates, also we invite your content to publish in our website.     

What is Ocean shipping reform act.

 What is Ocean shipping reform act.

• Ocean shipping reform act is act which will allow federal maritime commission set aside or made special bill for fiscal years 2022 through 2025

• It establishes additional requirement and prohibit and control any acts made by ocean carriers.

• Requires commission to issue rules related to specific fees assessments prohibited practices and setting up the shipping registry.

• Authorizes the FMC under certain circumstances to issue an emergency order requiring common carrier to share information with exporters and multimodal transport authorities. 

the bill also adds provision related to shipping policies and design to support growth and development of US exports and inversely promote trade.

The act was passed in house on 13th of June 2022.

 

US congress report on US Navy ships

According to New US congress report, united states navy ships are very small to protect themselves 

US navy ships are currently facing two hindrances which are making them less defending from unmanned aerial vehicle and anti ship missile are ammunition storage area and cost expenditure in navy assets.

As amount of ammunition will increase, the navy ships will not require to withdraw a ship from battle and spend time travelling to a safe reloading location and expense made in modern ship defense system will ensure lives of navy sailors is saved and prevent every damage to navy ships.

Also solid state laser are good option for jamming or blocking small boats and UAVs and will help potentially in future to counter enemy anti ship missiles but again higher energy weapons require a lot of electricity which means bigger engines, much larger fuel tanks and lot of batteries.

Larger container ship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin arriving at Untied states of America

 Larger  container ship of 18000 TEU will arrive this month at port of united states.

The largest ship operator CMA CGM's  new container ship will call Los Angeles and Oakland respectively.

New ship Benjamin franklin will call first time at this port , as this is for first time such large ship arriving at port, they are been called as ultra large size. 

This vessel will be deployed in regular service in this route, CMA CGM working closely with port operator to plan this ship deployment. 

Oakland port will be first of its kind to receive the ship of such size, recently port authority had made many development to accommodate this type of big ships, by making changes in infrastructure and channel berths and dredging in port areas. 

It is largest ship of CMA CGM and 10th largest in world, it was build by china state shipbuilding corporation. CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin will make its maiden call at port of Los Angeles.

What is Indian port bill, and how will it benefit to Indian port industry (Major port authorities bill 2020)

Indian port bill is the bill or rules and regulation which seeks to provide the regulation, operation and planning of major ports in India and to provide greater autonomy. Indian port bill create an environment for growth and sustained development of ports sector in India through the following broad methods:

1. Formation of Maritime Port Regulatory Authority

1. Drafting and formulating of the National Port policy and National Port plan in consultation with Coastal State Governments, State Maritime Boards and other stakeholders.

1. Formulation of specialized Adjudicatory Tribunals namely Maritime Ports Tribunal and Maritime Ports Appellate Tribunal to curb any anti-competitive practices in the port sector and act as a speedy and affordable grievance redressal mechanism.

Today Indian port sector is developing at very fast pace, both public and private port player is achieving and gaining huge cargo potential in Indian water, proper formulation of port policy is must to administered this development.
Indian port bill 2020 replaces Indian port act 1908.

What is Cargo Manifest in Shipping business ?

 Manifest in simple term is mean by to show something clearly, hence Cargo manifest is a document listing cargo, passengers and crew  of ship, aircraft or a vehicle such truck, rail or wagon. this document enable serves the need of official of custom authority or any body. today we will learn in short about Cargo manifest.

ARTICLE BY

Mr. Meet Markana (Documentation Executive at Savino Del Bene)

A manifest, in general, is a complete list of the cargo or passengers. Just like the cargo manifest, the passenger manifest lists details of all the passengers who are on board a ship or airplane. This list would include details of the crewmembers as well.

A cargo manifest is a consolidated list of all the cargo that is on board a cargo vessel. The list of all cargo carried on the vessel will appear under the vessel name and identification marks of the vessel.

EXAMPLE-        

Customer A in New York buys 1000 boxes from company B in Kolkata, India. Company B ships these gensets by a cargo vessel. The vessel carries other electrical goods and consumer durables meant for customers En route and in New York.

The cargo manifest of the ship will show the 1000 gensets purchased by customer A as well as the other electrical goods and consumer durables that are shipped on the vessel for the other customers.

Contents of a Cargo Manifest

Generally, the following details are shown in cargo manifests:

1. ·       Operator name and details
2. ·       Consignor information
3. ·       Document or Bill of Lading number
4. ·       Quantity, type, and description of goods
5. ·       Consignee information
6. ·       Shipping route

Who Uses the Cargo Manifest and Why?

While the cargo manifest is important to all concerned parties to the cargo carried on the ship, most importantly, it is the port customs who require the cargo manifest to allow the ship to unload its cargo on the port. It is usually the responsibility of the chief officer of the ship to submit the cargo manifest to the port customs.

   

What is Voyage data recorder and how it help to ships ??

Voyage data recorder is system designed for vessel to comply with SOLAS requirement of IMO guidelines, main function of VDR is to store information in secure and retrievable form, considering the position, and movement of vessel from start position to incident point. it acts like black box.

VDR records the command and control of vessel over the duration from one point to end incident. it also records the voice of vessel bridge. the data collecting assembly continuously collects onboard activity for 12 hours.

Passenger ships and ships other than passenger ships of 3000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on and after 1st july 2002 must carry VDR devices with them.

Now we discuss some practicality of VDR, then When MV X-press vessel sunk then sri-lankan authority recovered the VDR from ship, this will enable the legal body to know about the actual or possible reason of fire and the incident thereof...though salvage group could not transfer ship from deep seas as it was rest to bed.

So friends if you like this article please share and if you would like to contribute something to this article then feel free to contact us.

What is vessel traffic service (VTS) ?

 Hello friends, today i will tell you about vessel traffic service (VTS), in simple language vessel traffic is similar to traffic in air that is aircraft or vehicle in land, it is system by which marine traffic that is ships, tugs and other objects at sea are monitored, it is established by port authorities.

So what is main object of VTS, the main object of vessel traffic service to provide active monitoring navigational assistance to vessel in particular route or busy areas of seas. there are mainly two types of VTS, one is under surveillance and one without surveillance i.e., that is actively monitored.

if we talk about working of VTS then it involves close connection between RADAR, and radio telephonic exchange with close circuit infrastructure.

thus any vessel coming towards port area then it is guided and monitored by VTS, they are given special signal so as to ensure smooth passing in waterways, in case there is danger VTS operator directly gets in contact with ships staff.

thus mainly very high frequency is main way to connect with VTS and on other side there are number of ways to communicate either by email or AIS or phone.

Thus to conclude VTS serve the duty of collection, analyzing and providing information.

What is meant by vessel husbandry ?

 Hello friends, today i will discuss about topic known as vessel husbandry, as you know vessel in general language we tell it as a boat or ship, vessel is large, and husbandry in simple meaning is to look after something. hence in all we combine and comes to know as to look after the vessel. giving it a formal touch vessel husbandry is meant by managing the affairs of the ship when it comes to port or at port side including other activities such as custom formalities, fueling and supply and repairs too.

Basically process of vessel husbandry starts when vessel is schedule to come to a particular port  and its arrival at port according to management of shipping company as per the service or routing.

Usually all payments related to vessel related and container related is completed well in advance before arrival of ship at port. shipping company get registered its ship coming to a port with port authority and with custom board of that particular area.

All the vessel comes to port has rotation number if it is a regular vessel, if any vessel coming at port for first time then it informed to port and custom well in advance, duly all certificates of vessel are demanded so as to ensure its get registered with customs and vessel is validated.

As ship is registered with customs it gets its rotations number after getting this number, vessel is registered with port and VCN number which is vessel call number is created.

All payments such as light dues should paid well in advance by shipping company to port before vessel arrives, light dues are calculated on basis of gross registered tonnage of vessel.

So this is just brief about vessel husbandry.