ABS and leading members from the Greek shipping industry came together for an in-depth analysis of the potential of methanol as a marine fuel to support shipping’s decarbonization objectives.

ABS hosted the Athens Methanol Forum: Unlocking the Value of Methanol, bringing together shipowners, operators, shipyards and equipment manufacturers for an afternoon of presentations and a panel discussion followed by an evening reception.

“ABS is committed to supporting the safe adoption of methanol by the industry and today’s event is an aspect of that. In this forum, we brought together a unique blend of the people, the companies and the regulators that can help us understand where we are, where we need to go and what must happen in order for long-term change to occur,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“Methanol is increasingly being recognized as a compelling alternative pathway for owners and operators. With practical benefits related to ease of storage and handling, tank-to-wake carbon intensity reduction, as well as a pathway to carbon neutrality through green methanol, methanol presents an immediate and promising solution,” said Panos Koutsourakis, ABS Vice President, Global Sustainability.

The Methanol Institute’s (MI) Rafik Ammar, Manager of Government and Public Affairs in Europe, joined the event, providing the latest information from the 34-year-old global trade association on methanol as fuel.

ABS specialists shared material on market trends for alternative fuels, existing and emerging technologies supporting methanol’s scale-up and the current regulatory framework around methanol. The agenda also included presentations from George Drossos, Head of Marine New Sales and Promotion from MAN; Dimitris Koliaroudakis, Director of Project Department from Technava; and Stamatis Achillas, Head of Business Development and Sales from Wartsila.

A panel discussion focused on the viability, advantages and roadblocks in the methanol pathway was led by ABS Business Development Manager Maria Kyratsoudi and featured MI’s Ammar; Loukas Barbaris, President, Safe Bulkers; and Panos Kourkountis, Technical Director, Sea Traders.