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Argus Media: Japan studies options to cut coastal shipping emissions

Japan is examining options on Thursday (July 1) to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coastal shipping, as it considers raising an emissions target for the industry in line with the country’s more ambitious 46pc reduction target for 2030 on 2013 levels.

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Rieko Suda of global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus Media on Thursday (1 July) published a report highlighting Japan’s plan to cut emissions of coastal vessels:

Japan is examining options  on Thursday (July 1) to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coastal shipping, as it considers raising an emissions target for the industry in line with the country’s more ambitious 46pc reduction target for 2030 on 2013 levels.

The transport ministry is discussing presenting a decarbonisation roadmap later this year for the country’s coastal shipping industry, which handles 40pc of domestic freight transport, as it seeks to revise the industry’s 2030 emissions reduction target to 17pc compared with 15pc previously.

The ministry is working out a separate policy for coastal shipping because of its structural problems that could hinder capital investment in greener operations, as the industry is dominated by small enterprises with limited working capital.

Around 4,000 operators and shipowners operated 7,400 coastal vessels, 70pc of which were past their 14-year service life, during the April 2018-March 2019 fiscal year.

This contrasts with the international shipping industry where 200 firms operated 2,600 ocean-going vessels.

The transport ministry is considering exploring next-generation vessels for coastal shipping, such as battery-operated and hydrogen fuel cell ships, along with LNG-fuelled ships, to reduce emissions and work towards decarbonisation.

The introduction of such ships is expected to be mostly limited to domestic shipping routes where infrastructure is sufficient until 2030, according to the ministry.

Japan has developed LNG bunkering infrastructure at key domestic ports since the 2015 launch of the country’s first LNG-fuelled ship Sakigake by shipping firm NYK Line.

Rival shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines last year launched the LNG-fuelled coastal bulk carrier Is Mirai in central Japan’s Ise bay where LNG bunkering infrastructure has been set up.

The existing hydrogen pipeline at Yokohama-Kawasaki port has attracted a proposed pilot operation of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell passenger ferry from 2024.

More projects are in the pipeline for hydrogen-powered ships in efforts to take advantage of proposed hydrogen infrastructure at Kobe in west Japan, Chita and Yokkaichi in central Japan and Hibikinada in south Japan.

The existing hydrogen pipeline at Yokohama-Kawasaki port has attracted a proposed pilot operation of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell passenger ferry from 2024.

More projects are in the pipeline for hydrogen-powered ships in efforts to take advantage of proposed hydrogen infrastructure at Kobe in west Japan, Chita and Yokkaichi in central Japan and Hibikinada in south Japan.

The coastal shipping industry has also made some progress in its shift to all-electric vessels particularly for small size, short-distance shipping.

Shipping firm NS United in 2019 launched a hybrid coastal bulk carrier that can run on a diesel engine or lithium-ion batteries. Shipbuilder Oshima Shipbuilding in 2019 commissioned a battery-powered electric passenger ship.

Coastal Expansion

The transport ministry expects use of greener ships will be expanded for coastal shipping after 2030 with further development of domestic supply infrastructure expected for carbon-neutral marine fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia and synthetic fuels.

This is in line with Tokyo’s target to commercially deploy its first-generation zero-emissions vessels before 2028.

Tokyo is considering providing financial support for development of hydrogen- and ammonia-fuelled vessels, along with fuel supply infrastructure.

The transport ministry is also planning to continue pursuing energy efficiency in coastal shipping by launching next-generation vessels, including those with hybrid marine propulsion systems.

Such conventional fuel-efficient ships can be refitted with rechargeable batteries or hydrogen fuel cell batteries, or converted to be fueled with synthetic fuels after 2030 to achieve carbon neutrality.

It is also looking to improve efficient shipping operations, such as weather routing and use of onshore power to reduce emissions when moored at ports.

The ministry last year enforced a revised efficiency rating programme for coastal ships, targeting to help the industry enhance the fuel efficiency of their vessels.

A total of 43 coastal ships have so far been awarded the highest efficiency ranking, including three LNG-fuelled vessels.

 

Photo credit: Argus Media
Published: July 2,2021

 

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Winding up

Singapore: High Court to hear Norvic Shipping Asia winding up application on 31 July

Application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to Government Gazette notice.

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An application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to a Tuesday (21 July) notice on the Government Gazette.

It noted the winding up application is directed to be heard before the Judge sitting in the General Division of the High Court at 10am on 31 July.

Any creditor or contributory of the company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the winding up application may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose.

A copy of the winding up application will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the company requiring the copy of the winding up application by the solicitors of the applicant’s, Oon & Bazul LLC, on payment of the regulated charge for the same.

The Applicant’s address is Hiridostraat 5, Gebouw Prismatrium, 1101CW Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Applicant’s solicitors are Oon & Bazul LLC of 103 Penang Rd, #04-04/05/06 Singapore 238467. 

Queries on the winding up application may be directed to the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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