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, 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-of-the-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, Stena Pro Marine and Stena Promise, are also due for delivery later this year.
Stena Pro Patria will leave GSI Shipyard to load methanol fuel in Ulsan, South Korea and will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for her Naming Ceremony later this year. 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, Stena Pro Patria will be a low-emission vessel, eliminating local pollutants including SOx and Particulate Matter (PM), cutting NOx emissions by 60% and reducing CO2 emissions versus conventional marine fuels.
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.
