ALFA Laval, a heat transfer and fluid handling company operating in the maritime sector, has joined the Methanol Institute to support the shipping industry’s energy transition.

Through its membership, Alfa Laval intends to contribute expertise to assist the industry on the path to decarbonisation, namely in the adoption of green methanol as a sustainable fuel source.  

The Methanol Institute is the global trade association for the methanol industry, representing leading methanol producers, distributors and technology companies.

The association reportedly works to protect existing markets for methanol while promoting the growth of emerging energy markets.

Alfa Laval said it is supporting the transition with essential technologies such as the Alfa Laval Fuel Conditioning Module Methanol, which is a low-flashpoint fuel supply system.

The company has also received the industry’s first approval in principle for firing boilers with methanol.

It said methanol changes the energy balance on board vessels, which prompted the company to identify ways for vessels to become more energy efficient.

Alfa Laval said it has been focussing on methanol handling, methanol combustion and fuel cell technologies at the company’s test and training centre.

Sameer Kalra, president of Alfa Laval’s marine division, said the decision to join the Methanol Institute aligns with its support for sustainable shipping.

“We are confident in our capacity to bring safe, reliable and economically viable solutions to the shipping industry, thanks to successful collaborations and extensive testing,” he said.

Methanol Institute CEO Gregory Dolan said the association was pleased to welcome Alfa Laval as a new member.

“Alfa Laval’s deep expertise and proven track record supplying the marine industry make their marine methanol solutions an important part of the way forward for the industry,” he said.

Maersk, MOL, MSC and Oldendorff are also part of the Methanol Institute’s growing membership base.