Introduction
In 2020, Proman Stena Bulk Ltd finalised an agreement to build an additional vessel under its joint venture partnership. It’ll be the first of three 49,900 dwt methanol dual-fuel MR tankers in their joint fleet. The ship, Stena Pro Patria, will be finalised in 2022 and thereafter joined by its two sister vessels, Stena Pro Mare and Stena Prosperous, in 2023.
The ground-breaking tankers will be benefitting from serval design and technical improvements to optimise energy and fuel efficiency. Each vessel will use 12,500 tonnes per annum of methanol as a marine fuel, significantly reducing emissions in their everyday commercial operations compared to conventional marine fuels. The vessels will be equipped with the latest energy efficiency technology, including continually controlled combustion, optimised tuning, redesigned and aerodynamic hull lines, and an energy shaft generator, reducing fuel consumption and helping to meet strict emissions criteria.
Methanol as fuel is clean-burning, safe to carry and fully biodegradable, which provides a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, eliminates sulphur oxide (SOx) and particular matter completely, and cuts nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 60% compared to traditional marine fuels. Both Stena and Proman are confident that methanol is one of the most viable and low-emission future marine fuels.
