Maersk backs C1 to mass produce green methanol

Maersk Growth, the venture capital arm of Danish shipping firm AP Moller-Maersk, has backed German start-up C1 to help scale-up its catalysts technology to enable cheaper mass production of green methanol.

C1's catalysis method produces green methanol from waste biomass, CO2 or hydrogen at a lower pressure and temperature than current production methods, and is more tolerant to feedstock impurities, according to the company. Currently in the pilot stage, the method has a containerised design, meaning production is possible "where sustainable feedstocks are available or close to harbours where green methanol is needed to fuel the vessels," C1 said.

"With current technology, powering our vessels with green methanol will be much more expensive. We believe in C1's ultra-efficient catalysis to bring down the price — and scale fast with their decentralised approach," Maersk's head of future fuels innovation Maria Strandesen said.

Maersk has recently partnered with US project developer Carbon Sink to develop green methanol production in the US, as well as with the Spanish government to produce alternative marine fuels such as green hydrogen and biomethanol to feed its planned 19-vessel fleet. This partnership with C1 will be Maersk's eighth aimed at boosting global renewable methanol production capacity.

By Portia Kentish