Fugro joins Methanol Institute to steer transition to low-carbon fuels

Fugro, a Dutch provider of geo-data solutions, has partnered with the Methanol Institute (MI) to shift its fleet of geotechnical and geophysical vessels to low-carbon fuels. By becoming a member of MI, Fugro is demonstrating its commitment to decarbonization and is focusing on the use of methanol as a primary fuel source. In an effort to achieve net-zero operations by 2035, Fugro has converted its geophysical vessel, Fugro Pioneer, to run on methanol by replacing two of its original engines. This conversion is part of the Fugro-led consortium MENENS, which received a grant to develop solutions for emissions-free shipping using methanol. The transition to methanol is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional marine fuels. MI suggests that regulations like the EU’s FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) could incentivize the adoption of eco-friendly fuels like methanol in the maritime industry. By encouraging the use of sustainable fuels and alternative energy sources, these regulations can help the industry move closer to achieving its net-zero goals by 2050.