Riyadh, KSA, 18 January 2024 - Proman, the world's second-largest methanol producer, and Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation, have entered into a five-year agreement for Bahri Chemicals to time-charter two methanol-powered ships, Stena Provident and Stena Progressive, to transport various products globally.
The vessels, built at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China, are part of an initial six-strong methanol-fueled tanker fleet commissioned through the partnership between Proman and Stena Bulk. The state-of-the-art IMOIIMeMAX ships are highly efficient dual-fuel tankers with Marineline coating, suitable for shipping a wide variety of cargo, bulk products, and chemicals.
Since the delivery of the first vessel, Stena Pro Patria, in 2022, operational efficiency has been demonstrated through low Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) values. The EEDI for the Stena Pro Patria is already 11% below the required level for vessels built from 2022, setting a new benchmark for methanol-fueled tankers.
Anita Gajadhar, Executive Director of Marketing and Logistics at Proman, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two companies and the proven capabilities of methanol as a cleaner fuel. She emphasized Proman's commitment to time-chartering vessels to enable others to gain operational experience with methanol as a fuel, realizing its immediate air quality benefits and emissions reductions.
Faisal Al Husseini, President of Bahri Chemicals, emphasized that methanol is an important component in the path to carbon reduction in the maritime transportation ecosystem. As a major player in the industry, Bahri Chemicals aims to play a vital role in protecting the environment and setting industry standards.
Compared to conventional marine fuel, methanol can significantly reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, eliminate sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter, and deliver immediate cleaner air benefits. The properties of methanol remain consistent, regardless of how it is produced, allowing for blending or lower carbon intensity as production of green methanol increases.
The collaboration between Proman and Bahri Chemicals represents a significant step in the maritime industry's efforts to adopt cleaner and more sustainable fuel options.
