Proman and Dumore Enterprises announced the launch of four 100% methanol-powered Geely trucks at an event in Trinidad, representing the first such vehicles on the road outside of China, and placing Trinidad and Tobago at the forefront of an emerging application for methanol as a transportation fuel.
According to Proman, the initiative represents an important step in demonstrating the practical application of methanol as an alternative transportation fuel and the potential for Trinidad and Tobago to leverage its established methanol industry, infrastructure, and technical expertise to create new opportunities for sustainable industrial development. It also demonstrates the potential to use locally produced methanol locally, while creating opportunities to develop new markets for Trinidad and Tobago’s downstream products.
The first fuelling of the four trucks occurred back in February of this year, and following approval from the Transport Commission, Dumore Enterprises has been operating the trucks on both public and private roads since 21 July 2026, delivering industrial goods across Trinidad and Tobago. To date, the four Farizon G2 methanol trucks have travelled over 17,000 km, refuelling 41 times at Proman's production facilities on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate in Couva.
Thus far, these Dumore methanol trucks have traversed over 17,000 km, and this pilot has avoided approximately 3.7 tonnes of CO₂e emissions when compared with conventional diesel trucks.
Proman Chief Executive, David Cassidy, highlighted the importance of the launch for Proman Trinidad, the country, and the wider industry. He said, “This launch is an important milestone for Trinidad and Tobago, and for the wider adoption of methanol as a cleaner, practical fuel for road transport. Through our partnership with Dumore Enterprises, we are showing that methanol produced in Trinidad can power vehicles on Trinidadian roads today, reducing emissions, creating new demand for a product in which the country is already a global leader, and opening up opportunities for the wider Caribbean. I congratulate the teams who have brought this pilot to life. Their work demonstrates exactly the kind of practical innovation that can help drive a cleaner, more resilient energy future.”
The trucks have consumed over 20 tonnes of methanol, generating approximately 14% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an equivalent diesel fleet, while also reducing NOx emissions by 42%, PM₁₀ emissions by 87%, and CO emissions by 98%, and eliminating SOx emissions.
Therefore, the pilot has avoided approximately 3.7 tonnes of CO₂e emissions to date, compared with conventional diesel trucks.
Methanol has been used in road transport for decades, both as a 100% methanol fuel (M100) and a gasoline blend component (up to 15%) for vehicles ranging from passenger cars to buses and heavy-duty trucks. China currently has the world’s largest methanol vehicle fleet of over 30,000 vehicles, supported by established fuel production, distribution, and refuelling infrastructure, and Geely has been at the forefront of this development.
Methanol is a cleaner-burning fuel, emitting near-zero particulate matter (or soot) when combusted, 80% fewer nitrogen oxide emissions, and less carbon dioxide. Because conventional methanol produced from natural gas can be blended progressively with lower-carbon and green methanol without modifications to the engine, it is also a viable pathway fuel for the energy transition.
With a high-octane rating of around 109, compared to around 91–95 for standard petrol, methanol delivers effective, cleaner power and, as a liquid fuel, is simple and safe to store and distribute.
Anand Ragbir, Executive Director of Proman Trinidad, said: “This is a very exciting moment for Proman, Trinidad, and road transportation. These four trucks represent a huge opportunity to improve air quality, to reduce imports of expensive and polluting diesel, and to provide a new export market for Trinidad’s methanol. We are confident the pilot will show that all these can become a reality.”
Ragbir also said at the launch, “We have already seen methanol gain momentum in global shipping. And Proman is proud to have six vessels in our shipping fleet that run 100% on methanol. You don’t see any of that black smoke/soot when we’re sailing, as methanol brings cleaner air, environmental benefits, and a pathway to the energy transition.”
Alex Jodhan, CEO of Dumore Enterprises, said, “Transition won’t happen overnight. It is a combination of risk-taking and incremental steps towards adopting technology that improves our impact on the environment. For the first time in the Western Hemisphere, methanol is powering the movement of heavy cargo. The data we mine will help us build real-world commercial understanding so that policy and frameworks can guide the steps forward. Every kilometre builds the knowledge that will help shape the future of heavy transportation.”
“At the tailpipe, methanol combustion offers a cleaner profile than conventional diesel, producing lower particulate matter and reduced emissions of key pollutants. For a country where commercial vehicles travel through our towns, past our schools, and our homes every day, cleaner air isn't just an environmental benefit, it's a benefit for everyone who lives, works, and travels in our communities,” Jodhan added.