Methanol

Methanol Institute: Methanol fuel innovations and expansions (Week 28, 8 to 14 July 2024)

This week, advancements in methanol as a marine fuel included new additives reducing the need for pilot fuel, new eco-friendly tankers, and methanol-powered feeder ships in Rotterdam.

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

Admin

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:

Technology around the use of methanol as a marine fuel has continued to move forward, with the latest developments including an additive which removes the need for pilot fuel, further saving carbon emissions. Elsewhere, bunker networks, fuel transport and cargo capacity using cleaner methanol has continued to expand.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 28 of 2024:

Terntank orders Fifth Eco-Friendly Tanker with Methanol and Wind Propulsion

Date: July 8, 2024

Key Points:

Terntank has placed an order for a fifth vessel featuring wind-assisted propulsion and methanol fuel capabilities from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. Scheduled for delivery between March 2025 and July 2027, the 15,000 DWT chemical and product tanker aims to enhance environmental performance. The company emphasized the benefits of these technologies, including reduced emissions and expanded shore power usage, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable shipping practices.

Fratelli Cosulich Orders Two New Bunker Vessels with Methanol and Biofuel Capabilities

Date: July 8, 2024

Key Points:

Fratelli Cosulich has ordered two 7,999 DWT bunker delivery vessels from Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipbuilding, capable of handling methanol, biofuel, and fuel oil. The first ship is expected in early 2026. This move reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. Methanol, known for its ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is a focal point of this initiative, supporting the transition to cleaner marine fuels.

X-Press Feeders Launches Methanol-Powered Feeder Ships in Rotterdam

Date: July 10, 2024

Key Points:

X-Press Feeders has introduced its first methanol-fueled ship, Eco-Maestro, in Rotterdam, launching Europe’s first scheduled feeder network powered by green methanol. The network, comprising 14 ships, will operate routes in Northern Europe with methanol bunkering exclusively in Rotterdam. This initiative aims to support sustainable shipping and help companies achieve environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

WinGD Completes Successful Tests on New Short-Stroke Methanol-Compatible Engine

Date: July 11, 2024

Key Points:

WinGD has successfully completed testing of its new X52-S2.0 short-stroke engine at the Yuchai Marine Power Co facility. This engine, now type-approved, is available in diesel, LNG, and methanol configurations, with an ammonia option in development. It features a compact design and high fuel efficiency, making it suitable for smaller vessels. The engine’s methanol compatibility underscores its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable maritime practices.

Infineum Explores Methanol Fuels for Heavy-Duty and Marine Engines with Innovative Additives

Date: July 11, 2024

Key Points:

Paul Cooper and Joanna Hughes of Gane Energy spoke to Infineum Insight to discuss the advantages of methanol as fuel for heavy-duty and marine engines and how fuel additives can help to overcome some of the challenges.

One of the issues associated with methanol – in common with many alternative fuels in marine applications – has been the need to use a pilot fuel to ignite it in the engine. Gane Energy has developed performance additives to methanol fuel, overcoming challenges like lubricity and corrosion. Their approach also eliminates the need for a diesel pilot fuel by converting methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) for ignition.

As the use of methanol grows in various transportation applications, the use of high quality fuel additives will be vital to ensure hardware protection, according to Infineum.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 19 July, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol and RFNBO-methanol across the EEA, UK, and Switzerland.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Venture Energy, a sustainable fuels supplier headquartered in Hong Kong, recently announced the signing of a Distribution Agreement with Nordic Green Biotrading ApS (Nordic Green), appointing the Danish company as its exclusive distributor of renewable methanol across the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The move marked a key step in expanding Venture Energy’s next-generation marine fuels platform into the European market.

Venture Energy is a subsidiary of Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, focusing on the procurement and trading of clean fuels.

Under the agreement, Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol (bio-methanol) and RFNBO-methanol (e-methanol) throughout the Territory.

“We are delighted to formalise our longstanding collaboration with Nordic Green as our strategic distribution partner in Europe, extending the breadth and quality of our downstream coverage for our supplier network and developing the profile of high-quality renewable methanol producers in the European market.” said Gregor McMillan, Executive Director of Venture Energy.

Deepak Devendrappa, General Manager of Venture Energy, said: “Nordic Green’s track record in local distribution, deep market knowledge, and strong customer relationships across the region’s core bio-blending and chemical sectors make them the ideal partner to bring our ISCC-certified renewable methanol to our customers in the territory.

“This agreement is another step in the road for Venture Energy as we act on Wah Kwong’s commitment to supporting the energy transition with reliable, sustainable fuel solutions.”

The distribution agreement covers sales within the dutiable area of the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Venture Energy will continue to market directly into the marine bunkering segment.

Bo Gleerup, representing Nordic Green, added: “This exclusive partnership represents a significant milestone for Nordic Green. Being able to sell Venture Energy’s high-quality, certified, renewable methanol volumes from a range of bio-methanol and e-methanol producers, complement our existing supply network for European road-fuel and chemical producers. This fresh focus allows us to offer some of the most competitive products coming into the market today. We look forward to working closely

with our colleagues at Venture Energy to develop this collaboration and deliver value to our shared customers across the territory.”

Photo credit: Venture Energy
Published: 17 June, 2026

Methanol

China: Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

Company says commissioning of “Zhong Ran LV Neng 85” will further enhance its service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports.

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Admin

Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco) recently took delivery of its first bunkering vessel in China to deliver methanol to dual-fuel ships.

The 8,500-dwt duplex stainless steel chemical tanker Zhong Ran LV Neng 85 was successfully delivered in Zhoushan.

The company said the commissioning of this new ship will further enhance Chimbusco’s service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports and expand its national marine new energy service and support network

During the delivery period, Chimbusco said it focused on safe operations and conducted special training for all crew members of the vessel.

The training covered methanol bunkering operation specifications, prevention of collisions between commercial and fishing vessels, daily vessel reporting, and voyage report filling standards.

Manifold Times previously reported the launching of the bunkering vessel at Taizhou Fangzhen Shipbuilding Wharf in Zhejiang.

The floating out of the ship comes after Chimbusco has obtained methanol bunkering licences for Shanghai Port and Ningbo Port.

Photo credit: China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco)
Published: 16 June, 2026

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

4.55 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025, according to MPA data.

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2026

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port dropped by 6.8% on year in May 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.55 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,548,000 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt (4,878,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May (against on year) recorded respectively 1.79 million mt (-5.3% from 1.89 million mt), 2.29 million mt (-6.5% from 2.45 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,200 mt), 600 (35.2% from 1,700 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales drops by 6.8% on year in May 2026

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May, (against on year) recorded respectively 11,600 mt (-71.6% from 40,900 mt), 36,400 mt (-62.1% from 96,100 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 12,800 mt (+573.7% from 1,900 mt).

LNG and methanol sales were 70,300 mt (+56.2% from 45,000 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 June, 2026