BINTULU: Sarawak achieved a new milestone with the official sail away of Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd’s 20,000 metric tonnes of methanol from the Sarawak Methanol Complex to China today (Jan 14).
The operation went smoothly, aided by the innovative wavescreen technology incorporated into the design of the newly constructed three-kilometre export jetty at Tanjung Kidurong.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was delighted to witness the success of Sarawak Petchem, which has produced methanol in the state.
“This is an achievement, as there are few such downstream methanol production facilities in the region.
“Today, we exported 20,000 tonnes of methanol to China using two vessels, each carrying 10,000 tonnes,” he said in a press conference after witnessing the methanol export and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Green Methanol Project.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari recalled the project’s early stages where he had discussion with Sarawak Petchem chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Aziz Husain and his team four years ago, and decided to take a calculated risk despite uncertainties.
“We were unsure at first whether we should proceed, but I said, let’s take the risk. We have Sarawakians with the technology and expertise. Let us test if we can produce methanol,” he said.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced in securing funding for the project, given the lack of a track record in methanol production.
“However, through collaboration and determination, perseverance, and a shared vision, Sarawak got the funds,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the vendors such as Samsung, for their contribution in building the factory using a unique way and ready-to-install approach which ensured high quality and reduced expenses.
“In addition, we also thank our vendors for building the jetty. Who would have thought we would have a jetty at sea? But now, we have one to supply methanol to incoming ships, especially our buyers,” he said.
He said in addition to the success of the methanol production, the next initiative would be the Sarawak Petchem’s green methanol project.
“I just came back from Japan and they need green energy sources to power ships in an effort to mitigate carbon emission, and they opt to use methanol or ammonia, particularly green ammonia.
“We know that green ammonia is combined with carbon. By mixing carbon with hydrogen produced using renewable energy like solar and hydro, we can produce green methanol.
“Therefore, I would like to congratulate Sarawak Petchem on initiating another project that will serve as a global model of Sarawak’s active participation in shaping the green energy transition,” he said.
Aziz, in his speech earlier said with the sail away of Sarawak Petchem’s methanol product cargo, it is now embarking on the next chapter of its journey towards making green energy adoption a reality.
“The ground-breaking ceremony for the Green Methanol Project is an important step in our journey towards sustainable energy solutions,” he said.
He added the project will employ water electrolysis technology powered by renewable energy, along with captured carbon dioxide as feedstock in the synthesis of methanol.
“This so-called green methanol can be used as sustainable marine fuel, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, which is crucial in addressing climate change.
“With this initiative, we are not only addressing the energy needs of today but also moving towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future,” he said.
Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd was incorporated on June 7, 2017 to undertake the development and operation of the Sarawak Methanol Complex.
It is the first Sarawak entity to venture into the petrochemical industry.
The company owns and operates the region’s first mega-methanol plant in Sarawak, capable of producing 1.75 million metric tonnes per annum of methanol.
