Denmark is spearheading innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact in the maritime industry. One of the most promising alternatives is methanol, a renewable fuel that is gaining traction for its potential to transform marine operations to be sustainable and eco-conscious. Danish company Nordhavn Power Solutions have recently been contracted to provide two methanol-based generator systems for a larger hybrid solution on Svitzer’s new tugboat.
Denmark providing innovative solutions
Svitzer is a leading global port and terminal infrastructure provider, serving approximately2,000 customers in 141 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries through a fleet of 456 vessels. The new tugboat being developed by the global leader is to operate off of a hybrid system which combines batteries with methanol generator system which, under certain conditions, will generate zero emissions. Turkish shipyard Uzmar Shipyards is currently building the boat which is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2026.
Danish company Nordhavn Power Solutions has been tasked with building the methanol generator system. “Being able to contribute to Svitzer’s new hybrid solution with our methanol generator systems is a major milestone for us at Nordhavn Power Solutions. We are proud that our technology plays a central role towards more environmentally friendly operations, and that motivates us to deliver to even more in the future,” said CSO at Nordhavn Power Solutions Jørk Rudolph.
Advantages of methanol
Methanol is an alcohol that can be produced from renewable sources such as biomass, carbon capture, and even municipal waste. Its versatility as a fuel makes it an attractive option for various applications, particularly in the maritime sector. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, methanol can be utilized in existing engines with minor modifications, making the transition smoother for shipping companies. Methanol’s low emissions output makes it an attractive alternative fuel solution for maritime industry.
Nordhavn Power Solutions is currently working with ScandiNAOS in Sweden. ScandiNAOS is a Swedish ship design company which specializes in developing energy efficient and sustainable shipping solutions. The collaboration between the two seeks to develop and distribute methanol powered engines in maritime industry. ScandiNAOS has already developed a methanol solution and by working with Nordhavn Power Solutions, the engine will see distribution in projects like the Svitzer.
The future of sustainability in maritime industry
The International Maritime Organization recently announced sustainability targets which aim to reach 100% decarbonization by 2050. Creating sustainable projects in the maritime industry is particularly difficult due to the need to have to coordinate with a variety of local, national, and international stakeholders and a high dependence on infrastructure and regulation. The maritime industry is estimated to contribute between 3%-5% of global carbon emissions.
Transforming the maritime industry will require complete global cooperation and investment to secure new infrastructures to support alternative sustainable solutions. Currently, the main focus is on developing viable alternative fuels to power infrastructure. Currently, the interim solution has been to use Liquefied Natural Gas which reduces carbon emissions by 25%. Projects like methanol-powered engines will hopefully provide of a long term outlook on getting the industry to reach their 100% decarbonization target
The largest contributors to global carbon emissions is the transportation industry which makes up 28%. The second largest is the electric power industry which sits at 25% while the residential and commercial sector contributes to 13% and agriculture contributes to 10%. Developing alternative fuel sources would have the biggest impact on global carbon emissions as well as developing sustainable farming methods.
Initiatives like that of Nordhavn Power Solutions are set to be significant contributors to ensure that the world reaches its sustainability targets. Progress is needed to accelerate significantly, and continuous cooperation amongst industry leaders and nations will play a pivotal role in transforming industry.
