Maritime Glossary
Methanol (Marine Fuel)
Also known as: bio-methanol, e-methanol, green methanol
A liquid alcohol fuel increasingly used as a low- or zero-carbon marine fuel, capable of burning in adapted diesel engines.
Full Definition
Methanol (CH₃OH) is a low-flashpoint liquid fuel (10.6 °C) that burns with near-zero SOx and particulate emissions and significantly lower NOx than HFO. Conventional (grey) methanol is produced from natural gas; green methanol is produced from renewable electricity and biogenic CO₂ or biomass. Maersk, Stena, and several other operators have ordered methanol-dual-fuel newbuildings. The IGF Code governs design and operational requirements for methanol-fuelled ships. Methanol requires enhanced safety measures due to its low flash point and water-miscibility.