Tanker operator Stena Bulk has formed a joint venture with the Swiss natural gas specialist Proman Shipping to use two long-term time-chartered ships that will be powered by methanol, under the name Proman Stena Bulk Limited.

“We are proud to be one of only three companies actively engaged in promoting methanol as a marine fuel, through this partnership with Stena Bulk,” says David Cassidy, chief executive of Proman.

“We are always seeking out new and innovative ways to use methanol, and to maximise our fully integrated, diversified platform across the whole value chain, from the production and conversion of natural gas, to the marketing and delivery of end products to customers.”

Claes Leschly Bang, general manager, Clean and Chemicals, Stena Bulk added: “Through our newly developed IMOIIMAX MR tanker fleet, we have created our presence in the worldwide methanol trade. Our strategic partnership with Proman will take us further into the future.”