Proman Stena Bulk, a joint venture (JV) between a leading global methanol producer Proman and one of the world’s largest tanker shipping companies Stena Bulk, today confirmed that the first methanol-powered newbuild vessel under its partnership has been delivered and is preparing for commercial operation.
The methanol-powered 49,990 DWT Stena Pro Patria is the first of six state-ofthe-art, IMOIIMeMAX dual-fuel mid-range (MR) tankers being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International Co Ltd (GSI) in China for Proman Stena Bulk and Proman. Two further vessels, the Stena Pro Marine and Stena Promise are also due for delivery later this year.
The Stena Pro Patria will leave GSI Shipyard to bunker in Ulsan, South Korea and will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for her Naming Ceremony later this year. This is significant for Trinidad and Tobago, being the first such Naming Ceremony for a methanol newbuild ship to be hosted in-country. Stena Pro Patria is named in honour of Dennis Patrick, an integral member of the Proman family and the longstanding former CEO of Proman’s subsidiary Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited (MHTL), who passed away in 2019.
The vessel will run on methanol, representing Proman Stena Bulk’s commitment to methanol’s role as part of the shipping industry’s sustainable fuels pathway. With an expected consumption of 12,500 tonnes of methanol marine fuel per annum, the Stena Pro Patria will be a low-emission vessel, eliminating local pollutants including SOx and Particulate matters, cutting NOx emissions by 60% and reducing CO2 emissions versus conventional marine fuels.
Being a pioneer in the petrochemical industry, Trinidad and Tobago has a remarkable opportunity to benefit from this development as a leading producer of methanol, and our existing Point Lisas plants and infrastructure are wellpositioned to enable emissions reduction targets across the maritime sector.
The delivery of the Stena Pro Patria represents an important milestone for Proman Stena Bulk. It is a significant step forward as the JV continues its ambition to support the development of methanol as a proven marine fuel and the role it can play as part of global shipping’s urgent transition to a more sustainable future.
With impending regulation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) - in the shape of EEXI and CII from 2023 - as well as increasing demand from cargo owners and financiers for higher environmental standards, these vessels set a new benchmark for MR tanker sustainability.
Equipped with the latest generation MAN dual-fuel engines, the Stena Pro Patria will feature state-of-the-art energy efficiency technology, including continually controlled combustion, optimised tuning, redesigned and aerodynamic hull lines, and an energy shaft generator, reducing fuel consumption and helping to meet and go beyond IMO compliance criteria.
David Cassidy, Chief Executive of Proman, said: “The delivery of the Stena Pro Patria represents a major milestone for the success of our joint venture with Stena Bulk, as well as sending an important message to the market – that methanol is a reliable and available marine fuel that can reduce global shipping emissions in the short, medium and long term.
“The vessel’s state-of-the-art fuel consumption and engine technology are important steps towards more sustainable shipping; it will be vital as new lowemission fuels emerge to also focus on energy efficiency. We hope today’s news and our continued investment and commitment will encourage others to accelerate their transition to cleaner fuels like methanol, benefitting from immediate emissions savings while also sending out strong demand signals to the market.”
Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk commented: “It is only through collaboration and partnership that we can meet our climate goals. Today’s announcement of a jointly built methanol-powered vessel coming into commercial use, is a great example of our successful partnership with Proman, and we hope the first of many major milestones.
“As a company we strive to be a first mover by sending out positive messages that new advanced fuels, as well as technological energy efficiency advancements, are available today. The Stena Pro Patria is testament to that.”
Anita Gajadhar, MD of Proman Shipping, Marketing and Logistics added: “We very much look forward to welcoming the Stena Pro Patria to our fleet. Today’s delivery is just the beginning of the low-emission methanol transition for our own vessels, and moving forward, for third-party shipping companies too.
“This is a continuation of our journey to develop methanol’s huge potential in the global energy transition and showcases our ongoing commitment to the decarbonisation of the shipping industry.”
Methanol is already available at over 100 ports worldwide, including at all major bunkering hubs. It is a clean burning, safe to carry and fully biodegradable fuel, which provides an immediate reduction in CO2 emissions, virtually eliminates SOx and Particulate Matter, and cuts NOx emissions by 60% compared to traditional marine fuels.