10161798Methanol Pathfinder UK - prototyping an innovative methanol propulsion systemClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UK**Overview** Our consortium has a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of methanol propulsion in marine vessels. We intend to prototype a zero-carbon methanol-fuelled range extended for electric vessels. The system was originally designed as part of a successful Innovate UK Smart Grant project, and has been modified as technology has advanced to provide an exploitable prototype. **Background** The marine industry presents some of the greatest challenges to decarbonisation and clean energy. On land, vehicles are already on a clear path to reducing carbon emissions, thanks to huge investments in EVs and charging facilities. On water, vessels face the formidable challenges of long voyages, an adverse marine environment, and virtually no charging infrastructure. This challenge means that ships have to carry enough fuel-energy for the duration of their journey without the ability to refuel or recharge. Whilst there has been progress in developing electric, or hybrid diesel-electric ships, if we are to successfully reduce carbon emissions from shipping, the answer lies beyond (current) battery technology. Methanol has clear advantages over hydrogen (liquid or pressurised), ammonia, biodiesel, and biogass with regard to storage, safety, energy density, availability, and sustainability. Methanol can be produced with virtually zero carbon emissions, from sustainable biomass. Methanol reforming technologies are available commercially, however they have been largely untested in vessel design. **Prototyping** Supported by an Innovate UK Smart Grant (10034087), Chartwell Marine has designed a methanol-fuelled zero-carbon vessel, conducted a safety assessment, and demonstrated clear benefits. It is now time to take part of this original propulsion system and create an innovative methanol range extension system for all-electric vessels. If the UK is to continue to play a lead role in the global challenges of decarbonisation then we must progress further our ability to exploit green methanol in the marine industry.