Methanol producer, Proman, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Klaipėda to help with methanol fuel systems.
The Port of Klaipėda has expectations of becoming an energy centre, not just a cargo, shipbuilding and repair base.
The cooperation with Proman will help the Port of Klaipėda in the planning, design and implementation of future methanol bunkering and the potential development of a methanol-to-power project for shore side power (SSE) in or near the Klaipėda port.
“The number of ships powered by alternative fuels has been growing every year,” said Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
“With both shipowners and ports obliged to reduce their annual emissions, alternatively fueled ships are becoming increasingly more integrated into the shipping sector.”
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Latakas added that 275 alternative fuel ships were ordered worldwide in 2022.
“Together with Proman, we are building a network of partners and stakeholders who could potentially participate in various stages of green energy projects,” said Latakas.
The cooperation agreement commits to exchange information on methanol production, storage, supply, bunkering and use; sustainable port development, environmental protection and other topics.
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By the cooperation agreement, Proman aims to also support the Port of Klaipėda to initiate dialogues and cooperation with methanol experts and operators, methanol clusters and associations, as well as shipping lines.
“Our range of products, particularly our low-carbon methanol blends, combined with our continuing investments in green and blue methanol production facilities globally, will help catalyse the low-carbon energy transition for a diverse range of industries.
“This MoU with Klaipeda Port is a part of our effort to provide storage, bunkering and logistics solutions within Europe for our worldwide customer base,” explained Timothy Cornelius, Managing Director of Corporate Development at Proman.
Methanol’s versatility and inherently cleaner-burning properties makes it one of the most attractive alternatives to conventional fossil fuels, as it produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and helps to improve air quality.