Methanol-Fueled ‘Stena Pro Marine’ Christened in New Orleans

Proman Stena Bulk, a joint venture between leading tanker company Stena Bulk and methanol producer Proman, has officially christened its state-of-the-art methanol-fueled tanker, Stena Pro Marine.

The naming ceremony, held at the Port of New Orleans, marked a significant milestone for the methanol-fueled joint venture’s fleet and highlighted the Gulf Coast region’s role in the transition to alternative energy sources.

Both Proman and Stena Bulk have strong connections to the United States and, in particular, the Gulf Coast. Proman has significant methanol storage and transport operations along the Mississippi River, with production facilities in development in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and methanol plants in Pampa and Beaumont, Texas. Stena Bulk has a long-standing presence in the US, particularly in Houston.

Delivered in mid-2022, Stena Pro Marine is the second of six 49,990 DWT IMOIIMeMax series dual-fuel mid-range (MR) tankers constructed at Guangzhou Shipyard International Co Ltd (GSI) in China. Since its delivery, the vessel has been in full-time operation and consumes 12,500 tonnes of methanol annually.

The use of methanol as fuel eliminates local pollutants like SOx and Particulate Matter (PM), reduces NOx emissions by 80%, and lowers CO2 emissions by up to 15% compared to conventional marine fuels.

The ceremony also highlighted the region’s potential to become a major hub for methanol as a marine fuel. With ample methanol storage and production facilities in the Houston and Louisiana area, the region offers access to storage and substantial volumes of methanol.

Earlier this year, Proman Stena Bulk successfully completed the first-ever barge-to-ship methanol bunkering on the U.S. Gulf Coast, which also happened to involve the Stena Pro Marine.

“The naming ceremony for Stena Pro Marine comes as yet another marker on our shared journey with Proman to prove the viability of methanol as a marine fuel,” said Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk. “By gathering in New Orleans, a key hub on the US Gulf Coast, we show to US and global shipping that methanol is technically feasible as a marine fuel today. We look forward to furthering our collective vision for methanol within the maritime industry.”

Proman is also investing in its own low-carbon and green methanol production, including the development of a new 100,000-tonne-per-year methanol facility in North America. The facility, set to begin operations in 2025, will produce bio-methanol from non-recyclable forestry residues and municipal solid waste.

“Stena Pro Marinehas already proven to be a significant addition to our fleet since its delivery in the middle of last year,” David Cassidy, Chief Executive of Proman. “Given the region’s importance to global energy supplies, we are thrilled to name this vessel in New Orleans, and this event provides us with a wonderful opportunity to gather with partners, friends, and industry leaders and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and enabling a sustainable shipping industry.”

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