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Methane

Methane is a light, odourless, and highly flammable gas with the chemical formula CH4. It can be produced either from fossil sources, biomass or electrosynthesis.

As a marine fuel, methane is usually used in the form of liquified natural gas (LNG), methane cooled to -162°C (-260°F), converting it to a liquid and reducing its volume by a factor of about 600.

LR (Zero Carbon Fuel Monitor) and SGMF (Methane as a Marine Fuel: An Introduction)

Technical seminar series

Visit our dedicated page for details of the Project’s upcoming one-day Technical seminar on methane-based fuels.

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Definitions

A wide range of terminology is used to describe methane-based products and fuels, and the terminology used can vary between sources. Terms used to describe methane as a fuel often vary based on the production method, rather than indicating any significant difference in chemical composition of the fuel.

To clarify the different terminologies, you may find on this page and on linked resources, please refer to the following definitions adapted from SGMF’s Methane as a marine fuel: An introduction:

 

Methane:

Natural gas, liquified natural gas (LNG)

The fundamental chemical for this category of fuel, these generic terms may be used to broadly describe methane-based fuels, irrespective of the production method.

These terms are also often used to refer specifically to fossil natural gas extracted from underground deposits and then processed into liquid form. Composed primarily of methane (80–99%), it also contains ethane, propane, and butane, with trace levels of nitrogen.

 

Bio-methane:

Bio-liquified natural gas (bio-LNG), liquified bio-methane (LBM)

Produced using organic waste materials through a multi-stage biological and industrial process.

 

e-Methane:

Synthetic natural gas, synthetic LNG, e-NG, e-LNG, liquid synthetic methane (LSM)

Artificially produced methane created through a “Power-to-Gas” process using renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide.

LNG as a marine fuel

LNG bunkering development

Overview of key LNG bunkering developments and how this growing infrastructure relates to major global shipping routes, traditional oil bunkering ports, and the bulk LNG infrastructure which will provide the foundation for future bunkering services. This data is provided by SEA-LNG Bunker Navigator.

*There are around 190 LNG bunkering ports globally with another 80 locations implementing plans or actively considering LNG bunkering. Bio-LNG is available in over 70 locations in Europe, North America and Asia.

Supply of LNG

The latest developments in bunkering infrastructures for alternative fuels including LNG, provided by DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform which is available in the Data overview section.

Global LNG-fuelled ships and infrastructure

The map below shows the number of global LNG-fuelled ships (in operation and on order) and key bunkering points (available and under development). To learn more, please visit SEA-LNG.org.

Uptake of LNG

The latest developments in shipping’s uptake of alternative fuel including LNG, provided by DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform which is available in the Data overview section.

LNG fuel prices

Global alternative marine fuel price information, including a map that displays price gaps between conventional fuels and alternative fuels across various regions, along with a calculator to estimate the cost of marine fuels worldwide are available from Argus Media and S&P Global through the Data Overview section.

Argus’ global map on alternative fuels premium

Argus’ global map provides price gaps between conventional fuels (very low sulphur fuel oil, VLSFO) and alternative fuels for different regions.

Platts global bunker fuel cost calculator

The Platts global bunker fuel cost calculator shows how Platts price assessments can be used to calculate the cost of marine fuels around the world.

Explore further information on methane as a marine fuel in reports and resources from the Project’s data providers:

Bio-methane

Bio-methane is produced and liquified for use as a marine fuel from organic waste materials through a multi-stage biological and industrial process:

Raw materials:

Bio-methane is derived from animal manure, sewage sludge, or green waste, which are broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen through anaerobic digestion.

Production process:

The production of liquified bio-methane (bio-LNG) is a multistage process involving pretreatment, anaerobic digestion, biogas cleaning, upgrading to biomethane, and biomethane liquefaction.

Composition and upgrading:

The gas from a biogas plant consists roughly of 50% methane and 50% biogenic CO2, with traces of other compounds. To produce bio-LNG, methane is separated from the CO2 through various upgrading technologies.
(source: SGMF)

Explore further information on bio-methane in reports and resources from the Project’s data providers:

E-methane

E-methane is artificially produced methane created through a “Power-to-Gas” process using renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide. The process involves combining:

  • Renewable hydrogen (produced from water electrolysis using renewable electricity)
  • Captured CO2 (from industrial processes or direct air capture)
  • These react to form synthetic methane (CH4) and water.

e-NG Coalition: Global Map of Electric Natural Gas (e-NG) Projects

The e-NG Project Map, developed in collaboration with GENA Solutions, consolidates verified data from more than 90 facilities worldwide. It tracks projects from pre-feasibility to Final Investment Decision (FID) through construction and in operation, with monthly updates to reflect the latest market dynamics. Visit the e-NG Coalition’s Global Map of Electric Natural Gas (e-NG) Projects

Projected growth of e-methane production to 2031

Find out more about the e-NG Coalition’s mapping and forecasting of global e-methane production

Explore further information on e-methane in reports and resources from the Project’s data providers:

Safety

You can find information on the latest IMO regulations and guidelines related to methane-based fuels on the FFT Safety page, particularly:

Training for seafarers

IMO also provides resources to help prepare seafarers for the energy transition in shipping:

 

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