Sustainably produced methanol can play a significant role in decarbonizing the shipping industry and achieving the IMO’s objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sector. Its compatibility with existing infrastructure, scalability, and safety make it a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

1. Reduced carbon emissions: Methanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by up to 15-20% compared to traditional fossil fuels. This is because sustainably produced methanol has a lower carbon intensity than conventional fuels like diesel or heavy fuel oil.
2. Increased energy efficiency: Methanol has a higher energy density than many other low-carbon alternatives, such as hydrogen or batteries. This means that less fuel is needed to achieve the same amount of power, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
3. Compatibility with existing infrastructure: Methanol can be used in existing internal combustion engines with only minor modifications, which makes it easier to implement as a marine fuel. It can also be transported and stored using existing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly new infrastructure investments.
4. Scalability: Methanol can be produced at scale from a variety of feedstocks, including natural gas and captured carbon dioxide emissions. This means that it can be used to power small vessels, as well as large container ships and tankers.
5. Safety: Methanol has a low toxicity and flammability compared to other fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) or hydrogen. It also has a lower risk of explosion, making it a safer option for use in the shipping industry.