Wind, Methanol, and Ammonia Continue Steady Surge in Global Shipping
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Momentum is continuing to build behind three of the most promising low-emission propulsion solutions. With wind-assisted vessels clocking more sea time, methanol bunkering expanding to over 120 ports, and ammonia-powered prototypes entering trial phases, the race toward greener shipping is accelerating on multiple fronts. Each of these technologies is carving out a stronger position in commercial operations, and recent moves suggest the trend is picking up speed:
Wind Propulsion Gathers Steam
Wind-assisted ship propulsion is surging in 2025, moving well past pilot projects into mainstream deployment. The surge is backed by rigorous certification, sizable fuel savings, and growing retrofit activity. Rotor sails, rigid wings, and kites are proving they can cut fuel use and carbon while tapping a free, renewable energy source.
Key updates:
- Fleet-wide rotor sail installations: Norsepower plans to fit six GEFO newbuilding tankers with its EX-compliant rotor sails this year.
- First WindWings Aframax tanker named: Union Maritime’s BRANDS HATCH, built with BAR Technologies and classed by Lloyd’s Register, uses three 37.5 m rigid sails, cutting fuel by ~12% annually.
- MOL LNG carrier with sails: A new LNG carrier due in 2026 will be equipped with two 49 m Wind Challenger hard sails.
- Rotor sails on Capesize bulker: MOL and Vale retrofitted the Camellia Dream, achieving 6–10% fuel savings.
- Wind Challenger patent wins: MOL received a national invention award for its adjustable hard-wing sail design, currently installed on Shofu Maru and Green Winds.
- Dealfeng rotor sails project: A series of 14,000 dwt tankers will receive 5 × 24 m rotor sails from Dealfeng in Q4 2025.
Methanol Propulsion Accelerates
Methanol is rapidly moving beyond lab trials into mainstream shipping, offering a practical and scalable route to lower emissions. Its value lies in compatibility with existing engine systems, improving infrastructure readiness, and growing regulatory support. Today’s rapid fleet expansions and fuel network upgrades signal a decisive shift toward methanol-powered operations.
Key updates:
- Maersk plans to operate 19 dual-fuel methanol vessels by end of 2025, supported by e-methanol from Denmark’s first commercial-scale plant in Kasso.
- COSCO ordered 14 methanol dual-fuel ULCVs, worth about $3.1 billion, slated for delivery between 2028 and 2029.
- CMA CGM’s first dual-fuel methanol ship, CMA CGM Iron, has docked in Singapore, leading a fleet of 12 similar vessels.
- Port of Amsterdam completed its first ship-to-ship green methanol bunkering, supplying 500 mt to Boreas, a methanol-capable offshore vessel.
- Denmark’s Kasso plant is producing 42,000 mt of e-methanol annually, financed by European Energy and Mitsui, with Maersk among the first buyers .
- Green methanol market expected to grow significantly, supported by policy and infrastructure as Europe leads production and bunkering expansion .
Ammonia Propulsion Gains Real Momentum
Ammonia is emerging in 2025 as a leading zero-carbon marine fuel, with both pilot projects and commercial rollouts underway. Unlike other alternatives, ammonia burns without CO₂ emissions, and key players are racing to deliver certified engines, dual-fuel ships, and bunkering vessels. It marks a turning point in maritime decarbonization, powered by technology, partnerships, and regulation.
Key updates:
- First ammonia-powered tugboat “Sakigake” completed a 3-month demonstration in Tokyo Bay, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 95 percent during operations.
- MOL ordered nine large ammonia-capable vessels, including three Capesize bulkers and two chemical tankers, due for delivery in 2026–27.
- MAN Energy Solutions and WinGD both ran full-scale dual-fuel ammonia engines—MAN’s ME-LGIA ran at full load, with first deliveries to arrive in early 2026; WinGD’s X-DF-A engines are on track for late 2025 delivery.
- Trafigura ordered four ammonia dual-fuel medium gas carriers from Hyundai Mipo, with designs approved by Lloyd’s Register and first delivery in 2028.
- Alfa Laval secured its first ammonia fuel supply system contract, to be installed on seven dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carriers in 2025.
- Fortescue’s ammonia vessel “Green Pioneer” docked in London, demonstrating ammonia‑diesel hybrid propulsion for eco‑sensitive shipping zones.
As green propulsion technologies continue to advance, the maritime sector is charting a new course that blends innovation with sustainability. Wind-assisted vessels are quietly making headway on major trade routes, while methanol and ammonia are shifting from experimental fuels to commercial mainstays. Each technology faces its own set of hurdles, from infrastructure to regulation, but momentum is clearly building. What was once considered futuristic is fast becoming operational reality, suggesting that the ships of tomorrow are already in motion today.