Safety first: navigating methanol as a marine fuel

As the maritime industry accelerates toward low-carbon operations, methanol is emerging as one of the most viable alternative marine fuels. Its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions—particularly when produced from renewable sources—has drawn the attention of shipowners, operators, and shipyards worldwide. Yet alongside its environmental advantages, methanol introduces a distinct set of operational and safety challenges that demand careful consideration from the earliest stages of vessel design or retrofit.