3 to 4 per cent of all CO₂ emissions in the EU are attributable to maritime transport. New solutions are needed to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050 and at the same time support climate targets. To this end, it is worth looking beyond national borders – especially to Estonia.
With its 222 ports along over 4,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 500 maritime companies, this Baltic state has long been committed to sustainability. The result is innovative solutions for a future-proof, more sustainable maritime economy. One example is methanol superstorage technology, which enables methanol to be stored 85 per cent more efficiently, making it a genuine fuel alternative for ships.
Alternative fuels, especially green fuels such as methanol, play a central role in the decarbonisation and defossilisation of the maritime industry. Methanol is a liquid alcohol that can be obtained from fossil fuels, biomass or CO₂. When used as a fuel, the use of green methanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 per cent compared to conventional fuels.
New technology revolutionises fuel storage for green fuels
A key advantage in terms of sustainability is that methanol can be produced from CO₂, which is extracted from exhaust gases or the atmosphere and combined with hydrogen. If the latter is produced using green electricity, it is also renewable.
However, the use of methanol as a marine fuel has not been widespread to date. This is due to two main factors: Firstly, the production costs per tonne are around 50 per cent higher compared to fossil fuels. In addition, methanol requires significantly more storage space due to its energy density, which is twice that of heavy fuel oil, making it difficult to store on ships.
In response to these challenges, Estonia is demonstrating its innovative strength for sustainable solutions: with its methanol superstorage technology, the Estonian company SRC Group is showing how the storage volume of methanol tanks on ships can be increased by up to 85 per cent.
The special sandwich plate system technology is used in the construction of the tanks, which not only increases the volume but also significantly improves fire protection and protects against leaks. In addition, ships can be retrofitted with methanol superstorage technology with only minimal modifications.
“The future of maritime transport lies in the combination of different fuels, but methanol will be the fuel. This is where shipowners are ready to invest,” says Kaupo Läänerand, Deputy State Secretary for Maritime and Water Affairs at the Estonian Ministry of Climate Action.
“Having met many shipowners around the world, I can say that they all face the same challenges: how to convert or retrofit their ships to methanol. We have the methanol engines, but the biggest problem so far has been that methanol takes up to three times more space. I am glad that we have solved this challenge thanks to the SCR Group‘s methanol superstorage solution. After initially receiving Lloyd’s approval, we see this solution taking off in the global markets.”
Comprehensive solutions for the maritime industry
Methanol superstorage technology is just one of many innovations that make Estonia a particularly interesting partner for Germany and other countries on the path to a more sustainable global shipping industry in the future. In addition to sustainable fuel solutions, the retrofitting and modernisation of existing ships are also core competencies.
The country also has holistic solutions, a high level of administrative efficiency and an effective value chain that can take the maritime industry to a new level. Although ships are already considered the lowest-emission means of transport, environmentally friendly solutions are also essential here in order to achieve climate targets. By combining technical innovations and green solutions, Estonia is positioning itself as a pioneer and partner for sustainable shipping.
Estonia also benefits the industry in terms of digitalisation: the close cooperation between start-ups, the private sector and public institutions creates an environment in which business processes run smoothly and innovations can be implemented quickly. By joining forces to form a unique cooperation network, the industry is driving forward joint innovations with a focus on future-oriented maritime trade. Over 90 per cent of activities are geared towards this and practically all companies contribute to these efforts.
Forward-looking models: Estonia’s example for Germany
Germany is known for its strong technology production, while Estonia impresses with its administrative efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation. Estonia’s unique cooperation model in the maritime industry offers valuable insights, especially for larger countries like Germany. The Baltic country also emphasises digital awareness and ease of doing business, supported by close collaboration between start-ups, the private sector and public institutions.
This proves how integrated solutions and knowledge-based management can contribute to achieving sustainability goals. Estonia focuses on education as the key to success, placing particular emphasis on specialised, high-quality education and training of skilled workers, establishing Estonia as a centre of excellence for the maritime industry.
With success stories such as methanol superstorage and comprehensive innovative solutions, Estonia is demonstrating that the path to climate-friendly or even climate-neutral shipping is more than possible. Germany could benefit enormously from Estonia’s extensive expertise. Estonia is offering its partnership – and Germany should no longer let this opportunity go to waste. Because time is pressing: The ambitious climate targets for 2030 and the net-zero target for 2050 are approaching faster than we would like – and the key to achieving these milestones lies in innovative and strategic cooperation.
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