Archipelago Yachts, in collaboration with Chartwell Marine, has been awarded funding through the UK government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition – delivered by Innovate UK as part of the UK SHORE program – for the Methanol Pathfinder UK project to develop and prototype an advanced methanol range-extension and propulsion system for electric vessels. This is said to be a key milestone in the UK’s drive toward zero-emission maritime transportation.
The seven-month project will focus on developing a scalable, commercially viable methanol-based energy system that enables extended range for electric vessels, with the potential to eliminate combustion engines.
The approach reformulates how methanol can be used as a clean, efficient energy carrier. By converting it into low-pressure hydrogen to generate power on board, it is said to provide a practical and safe alternative to traditional marine fuels.
Dr Stephen Weatherley, CEO of Archipelago Yachts, said, “This Innovate UK funding marks an exciting next step in our mission to bring real-world, zero-emission solutions to the water. Methanol offers a clean, flexible and scalable pathway to decarbonizing maritime operations. By focusing on range extension for electric vessels, we’re accelerating technology that can be adopted broadly across both commercial and leisure markets.”
The Methanol Pathfinder UK project brings together a consortium of British marine innovators, supported by expert subcontractors such as Blue Deep International, E1 Marine and Auriga Energy. Collectively, the group combines deep expertise in vessel design, propulsion integration and clean energy systems.
The consortium will prototype and test a modular methanol-to-hydrogen range-extension system, designed to integrate seamlessly with electric propulsion platforms. The project will also contribute valuable data and insights to UK regulators and industry partners, helping shape emerging standards for methanol use in maritime applications.
Andy Page, managing director of Chartwell Marine, said, “Methanol has huge potential as a clean marine fuel, but the technology and integration challenges need real-world testing. This project will demonstrate how UK expertise can lead the way in creating practical solutions for decarbonizing offshore, commercial and leisure vessels alike.”
The Methanol Pathfinder UK prototype will serve as a vital step toward future vessel deployments, including offshore wind support vessels, pilot boats and explorer yachts. The project forms part of the UK SHORE (Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions) program, a flagship government initiative supporting innovation across the UK’s maritime sector to deliver net zero.
In related news, Rolls-Royce successfully tests first pure methanol marine engine