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Methanol Institute: Pioneering developments and strategic collaborations (Week 20, 13-19 May 2024)

Industry leaders advance methanol as a sustainable marine fuel through innovative projects, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy.

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The Methanol Institute, provides an exclusive weekly commentary on developments related to the adoption of methanol as a bunker fuel, including significant related events recorded during the week, for the readers of bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Vessels large and small are being ordered or delivered featuring Methanol as a fuel, with Stena announcing two further ropax ferry conversions and the port of Antwerp welcoming the Methatug to the harbour. Elsewhere a UK company is looking to reduce emissions with biomethanol and a study claims the country could become a leader in adoption of low carbon fuel infrastructure.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 20 of 2024:

Vopak Partners with Singapore Polytechnic for Training in Alternative Marine Fuels

Date: May 10, 2024

Key Points: Global storage firm Vopak is collaborating with Singapore Polytechnic to train faculty members of the Singapore Maritime Academy in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels, including methanol. This initiative, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to enhance maritime safety and support Singapore’s ambition to become a leading sustainable multi-fuels hub. Rob Boudestijn, President of Vopak Terminals Singapore, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals and addressing the challenges of training industry stakeholders in alternative fuel handling to achieve maritime decarbonization.

UK Operator Expands Fleet with Carbon-Reducing Ships

Date: May 13, 2024

Key Points: BG Freight Line has added four low carbon operating ships to its fleet, with the first vessel, BG Green, already deployed and the others set to follow later this year. These ships feature scrubbers for emissions abatement and use biomethanol as bunker fuel. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability. BG Freight Line, owned by Peel Ports Group, aims to be a net-zero operator by 2040. The ships will handle containerized cargo on routes between the UK, Ireland, and the Continent.

Stena Line to Convert Two More Ferries for Methanol Use

Date: May 15, 2024

Key Points: Stena Line plans to convert two more ferries, Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII, to dual-fuel propulsion systems capable of running on methanol and MGO. Partnering with Lloyd’s Register, the conversions aim to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainable shipping. Stena Line, an early adopter of methanol propulsion with the Stena Germanica, continues to see methanol as a viable alternative fuel to decarbonize its operations.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Introduces Methanol-Powered Tugboat

Date: May 16, 2024

Key Points: The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched the world’s first methanol-fuelled tugboat, Methatug. This 30m vessel can carry 12,000 liters of methanol, sufficient for two weeks of operations. Supplied by De Wit Bunkering through truck-to-ship operations, the Methatug marks a significant step in the port’s initiative to transition to alternative and renewable energy sources, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. The port hopes this project will inspire other ports to adopt similar green technologies.

UK Should Lead in Transition to Zero-Carbon Bunkers

Date: May 16, 2024

Key Points: A new report by UMAS and Arup emphasizes the UK’s potential to lead the transition to zero-carbon fuels in the shipping industry. The research suggests that shifting just 10% of fuel demand in the north-east of England and the Southampton/Portsmouth area to methanol, ammonia, or other hydrogen-derived fuels could significantly advance maritime decarbonization. While overseas production costs may be lower, the UK has an opportunity to develop critical infrastructure and become an early adopter in the zero-emission fuels market.

RFNBOs as a Sustainable Compliance Solution

Date: May 17, 2024

Key Points: According to insights provided by Glander International Bunkering, the shipping industry’s focus on short-term biofuel solutions must shift towards long-term options like synthetic LNG, methanol, and ammonia, referred to as renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). These e-fuels, made with renewable hydrogen, are crucial for achieving a zero-carbon future. The EU aims for at least 2% of shipping energy from RFNBOs by 2034, encouraging their use through favorable regulations. While costs and infrastructure pose challenges, anticipated price reductions and regulatory support are expected to facilitate their adoption.

Auramarine Secures Fuel Supply Systems Agreement in South Korea

Date: May 16, 2024

Key Points: Auramarine has partnered with South Korea’s Specs Corporation Ltd to enhance sales of its fuel supply systems, including those specialized for methanol and ammonia, for both retrofits and newbuilds. Specs Corporation will act as an official sales representative for Auramarine in South Korea. This collaboration leverages Specs’ extensive experience with engine manufacturers and shipowners, aligning with Auramarine’s vision to expand in the South Korean market.

NS United Places Order for Methanol-Fueled Bulker

Date: May 17, 2024

Key Points: Japanese shipping company NS United Kaiun Kaisha has ordered a 209,000 DWT dry bulk carrier capable of running on methanol and fuel oil, set for delivery in 2027. The vessel, to be built by Nippon Shipyard Co, Imabari Shipbuilding Co, and Japan Marine United Corporation, aims to reduce GHG emissions by over 80% using green methanol. This dual-fuel ship is a significant step towards NS United’s goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

 

Photo credit: The Methanol Institute
Published: 24 May 2024

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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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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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