Hartmann Group to design methanol-capable cement carrier

German maritime services firm Hartmann Group will develop a methanol-capable cement carrier.

IMAGE: Model of the methanol-capable vessel. UBC

The newbuild will be designed by Hartmann Reederei and operated by United Bulk Carriers USA (UBC) – both of which are 100% subsidiaries of the German maritime service company.

The project is being developed in partnership with Norway-based building materials supplier Heidelberg Materials and the Norwegian NOx Fund.

The vessel will start operations in Norway in early 2028 and will run on a mix of diesel and green methanol, UBC said.

The vessel will be owned by Hartmann Group and chartered to Heidelberg Materials, UBC added.

Growing interest in methanol

Several shipping companies are investing in methanol-capable ships to include methanol in their future fuel mix. This will boost demand for green methanol as a bunker fuel in the coming years.

Green methanol can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. It can also be stored in its liquid state at room temperature without additional facilities, unlike LNG.

By Aparupa Mazumder

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online