Study finds methanol frontrunner for Irish Sea green corridor

Green methanol has emerged as the most viable alternative to decarbonise ferry services between Holyhead in Wales, and Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, according to a study by consulting firm Ricardo.

IMAGE: Aerial view of Dublin port. Getty Images

Methanol-capable engines can be installed on retrofitted vessels, while the fuel already benefits from established bunkering and handling experience, the study found.

The report also underscored methanol’s advantages over other emerging options, noting that it presents fewer operational and safety challenges compared to ammonia or hydrogen for ferry services across the Irish Sea.

Battery-electric propulsion was ruled out for this route, with the study citing “high energy demand, vessel size and operational flexibility” required for ferries operating on the route.

“While additional infrastructure investment will be required, methanol offers a pathway that can be enabled in the near term through vessel retrofits and established handling practices,” Matthew Moss, maritime expert at Ricardo said.

The study concluded that clear policy direction and targeted government support will be essential to accelerate investment in methanol supply infrastructure. Without these measures, the Holyhead–Dublin corridor risks falling behind other regions in advancing zero-emission shipping, the report warned.

By Konica Bhatt

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