The Week in Alternative Fuels
Here are some key developments in alternative bunker fuels from the past week.
PHOTO: AIDASol Cruise Ship connected to Europe's largest shore power plant in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. Rockstock Port Authority
The third part of our alternative fuel article series featured Finnish marine company Auramarine, which has developed a fuel supply system for methanol engines. Taking a step into the engine room with Auramarine's John Bergman and Valtteri Vainio, we discussed the viability of methanol as a marine fuel in shipping's decarbonisation transition.
Shore power was also a hot topic this week. Ports and ship operators are looking for ways to reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions in the port by rolling out shore power for cruise ships, offshore vessels and container ships.
After striking a deal with Shanghai International Port Group, French shipping company CMA CGM will be able to use shore power at the port for 13 of its container ships. By the middle of next year, CMA CGM will have options to connect another 50 of its ships to shore power in Shanghai terminals.
In an effort to become the first Scottish port to offer shore power, Scotland's Montrose Port Authority teamed up with Norway's Plug to install shore power for offshore vessels in Montrose.
Two Canadian ports have also joined the electrification wave. The Port of Quebec will conduct a feasibility study into costs and demand for shore power for cruise ships. The Port of Prince Rupert has expanded shore power capacity so that ships in north and south berths can connect to shore power through dockside connections while loading and unloading.
By Konica Bhatt
Here is our selection of five top alternative fuels stories from this week:
Alternative Fuels Part 3: Methanol's head start
Chinese port group signs deal for CMA CGM container ships to use shore power
Montrose Port to roll out shore power for offshore vessels
