Green methanol offshore production platform gets RINA’s stamp of approval

Italian classification society RINA has issued approval in principle (AiP) to China’s Kindon New Energy Technology (Jiangsu) for its green methanol offshore production platform solution.

As informed, the solution produces methanol entirely offshore from renewable CO2 through direct air capture (DAC) technology and green hydrogen from offshore wind power water electrolysis technology.

The process synthesizes methanol from hydrogen and CO2 under high temperature and pressure conditions. All methanol synthesis processes are completed on the offshore platform and electrical needs are fully met by green electricity generated from offshore wind power.

By using DAC technology, the CO2 is readily available. The system is also designed with interfaces for future access to external supplies of green or biomass-derived CO2.

According to the developer, the platform will be able to produce 0.1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of green methanol.

“The entire process for methanol production uses genuinely green hydrogen, renewable carbon dioxide from DAC, and sustainable electricity. The concept provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels on the pathway to decarbonization,” stated Wenbo Wang, CEO of Kindon New Energy.

Luigi Mattera, Greater China Marine Operations Director at RINA, said: “RINA works with and supports projects for a broad range of decarbonization technologies. Almost all current methanol synthesis processes use CO2 from carbon capture from industry originated from fossil fuels. Using latest DAC technology, the AiP acknowledges that the methanol produced on this offshore production platform adheres to the strictest standards of green methanol.

“We are delighted to award Kindon this AiP. This innovative approach marks a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods in the marine and offshore industries.”

Based on data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, methanol proved the most popular alternative fuel choice in 2023 with 138 ships ordered (excluding methanol carriers). In February 2024, DNV reported that 23 more ships were added to the AFI database since the beginning of the year.