ISO launches first-ever standards for methanol as marine fuel

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published the first edition of methanol specifications document ISO 6583:2024, establishing global standards for using methanol as a marine fuel.

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The document specifies “the general requirements and specifications for methanol from all forms of production at the point of custody transfer, prior to any onboard required treatment, for use as fuel in marine diesel engines, fuel cells, and other marine applications,” according to the ISO publication.

It defines three grades of methanol: marine methanol grade A (MMA), marine methanol grade B (MMB) and marine methanol grade C (MMC), explained Monique Vermeire, chair of the committee responsible for reviewing the marine fuel standards.

These methanol grades are largely based on the International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA) reference specifications, with adjustments to address specific requirements for marine fuel applications, Vermeire said.

The IMPCA standards assess methanol quality by testing for properties such as chloride, sulphur, hydrocarbons, acidity and volatility.

“Grade MMC allows for wider tolerances in certain characteristics compared to MMB, while MMA includes additional requirements for lubricity and cleanliness,” Vermeire noted.

By Konica Bhatt

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