The METS Trade theatre on its second day of show hosted one of the all sustainable centered panels: “eFuels and the Future of propulsion” featured by Michael Sienkiewicz, Superyacht Project Manager at Sunreef and Tobias Kohl, Director Application Engineering Marine at Rolls-Royce Power System. The panel focused on the potential of the fuels and how and when they will affect the marine and yachting industry choices.

While electrification is a key tool for decarbonization during his speech Tobias Kohl emphasized its limitations in the marine industry: “It appears clear that the industry can’t be full climate friendly by electrification everything because wee would need too much energy” highlighted. As electrification can’t reach alone decarbonization the industry will need to meet a mix of solutions and hybrid technologies and eFuels for reducing emissions. 

eFuels, low emission fuels, are increasing more and more in the marine industry aiming to reach decarbonation and will play a key role on the sustainable transition of the marine industry.

Methanol has merged as a focal point of the discussion. Both panelist agreed on its importance in handle compatibility with current technologies and boat infrastructures. Sienkiewicz highlighted the methanol’s safety and operational flexibility which make it particularly sustainable and adaptable for small and medium sized yachts: “in the small market were Sunreef is operating everybody is looking forward to methanol, the one that can be the transition” emphasized Sienkiewicz. However, for larger vessels this transition to decarbonization may be easily and faster adaptable on this size of boats due to the compatibility of the installation processes.

The panelist projected that the marine industry will gradually transition to decarbonation with a significant eFuel adoption by 2030. This transition may also require a very strong collaboration with governments to establish guidelines and safety protocols.

While this transition will take time to take place methanol remains now the key driver in the marine sector’s greener future.

Nicole Cescutti