- Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Introducing survey Standards for Ships Fueled by Methanol and Ethanol -

On 18 Jun (Fri.), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister MOON, Seong-Hyeok) announced its final approval of the revised ｢Rules on Ships Using Low Flash Point Fuels｣ published by Korea Register of Shipping^*, which newly added the survey standards for vessels fueled by eco-friendly methyl alcohol (hereafter “methanol”) and ethy1 alcohol(hereafter “ethanol”). With the new standards, we will soon witness the first Korean ship powered by methanol.

* An incorporated association acting on behalf of the government to perform activities including vessel inspection and approval of vessel facility type. Korea Register of Shipping has been delegated governmental inspection rights from 81 countries, including Korea.

Methanol is widely regarded as the new eco-friendly fuel for vessels, moving beyond the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as it reduces sulfur oxides (SOx) by 99%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 80%, and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% compared to existing fuels. Until recently, there were limits to using methanol to power vessels due to its high production cost and emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx). However, it has emerged as the next-generation fuel for vessels with its reduced per unit production cost, backed by the increased production of natural gas (the main fuel type for ships), and the development and sophistication of fuel injection technology that lowers the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Unlike LNG, which requires high pressures and cryogenic temperatures, methanol is easy to store and transfer under normal temperatures and air pressures. In addition, with the simple remodeling of existing fuel supply equipment (bunkering) at ports, the initial costs for building the necessary infrastructure are relatively affordable. Methanol also has the additional benefit of not causing marine pollution when leaked into the ocean as it can easily dissolve and biodegrade in water.

As of today, there are more than 20 vessels operating on methanol around the world. In 2016, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard delivered two methanol-fueled non-Korean vessels, and it is now in the process of building one korean and seven foreign methanol fuel propelled vessels.

At the same time, ethanol is also an adequate candidate for vessel fuel as it shares very similar physical characteristics with methanol. However, ethanol-powered vessels are not yet in demand as ethanol has a significantly higher production cost as it is produced from sugar cane or corn, potentially exposing it to the risk of unstable supply. However, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) published its ‘Temporary Safety Guidelines for Methanol/Ethanol Fuel Propelled Vessels’ last December in consideration of such demand. Korea has also benchmarked these guidelines and approved the newly revised ｢Rules on Ships Using Low Flash Point Fuels｣.

The newly approved vessel inspection rules include new safety requirements in consideration of potential explosions or fires due to the characteristics of methanol and ethanol, hazards to the human body, and effects on structural strength. As methanol and ethanol both do not require storage at crygenic temperatures, the related facilities can be designed and installed in a manner similar to that of general tanker vessels, with the flexibility to apply the requirements on liquefied fuels. However, as these fuel types are toxic to the human body, fuel equipment needs to be installed within enclosed areas that can prevent gas emissions, and anti-corrosive materials, such as stainless steel, are required for storage tanks or fuel pipes to avoid causticity.

Choi Jong-wook, Head of the Maritime Industry Technology Division at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, explains that “it is no longer a matter of choice, but a necessity to build eco-friendly vessels, following the reinforced global regulations on the marine environment.” He also added that “the Korean government will actively roll-out support programs to develop and deliver various eco-friendly vessels, including the methanol-based vessels.”

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to continue with its subsequent preparation of inspection standards for vessels propelled by hydrogen fuel cells and ammonia fuel, which are both witnessing increased R&D efforts.