Methanol-from Hydrogen to power container ships

According to a news announcement, Maersk Shipping Line intends to use methanol made from green hydrogen to power its ships. The change of fuels and new ships reported in the Daily Telegraph could likely affect Hawaii. Bunker fuel and diesel is what powers all of the large ships moving to and from the Islands.

Maersk is the worlds biggest container fleet company. It is investing $1.4 billion in an in initial order of 8 new ships powered by the new fuel from Hyundai Heavy Industries. It has an option for four more ships.

Pollution from diesel powered ships represents 3 percent of man made carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. According to company estimates, the replacement of older vessels with these new ships will save an estimated 1 million tons per year of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of reducing international maritime emissions to 60% of their 2008 levels by 2030.

The new ships will be powered by methanol made by sustainably sourced hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The shipping are making these changes at significant expense because their customers are asking for this change. Costs are inspected to increase 15% as a result of the new fuel.

Does this new source of fuel represent an opportunity for Hawaii? Very likely. Hawaii could source hydrogen using sustainably using the heat from its volcanos. This may be one of the opportunities for Hawaii’s future.