Danish-shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) on Wednesday (18 September) participated in a historic milestone by conducting Japan’s first methanol bunkering simulation with its fifth methanol-fuelled vessel, Alette Maersk.
During the simulation in Yokohama, Maersk and other involved parties successfully tested essential operations, including berthing, unberthing, and hose connections, laying the groundwork for future methanol bunkering activities.
The Alette Maersk, Maersk’s fifth dual-fuel methanol vessel, christened in Los Angeles at the end of August, participated in the methanol bunkering simulation conducted by Kokuka Sangyo’s methanol tanker, Eikamaru.
Japan is currently in the process of developing methanol fuel bunkering guidelines. Insights gained from this initiative will serve as valuable references in establishing these guidelines and in developing methanol fuel supply infrastructure and processes in Japan.
Today’s bunkering simulation marks a significant development following Maersk’s Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical on the development of methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama. This initiative also receives support from additional stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s Port and Harbor Bureau.
Nakagawa Kenzo, Director of the Industrial Port Policy Division at the Ports and Harbours Bureau, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in Japan’s first methanol bunkering simulation.
“The Ports and Harbors Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has announced plans to convene a study group to explore the development of methanol bunkering hubs in Japan. Establishing methanol bunkering hubs in our ports is vital, and we will accelerate discussions, leveraging the insights from this simulation,” Kenzo added.
Photo credit: A.P. Moller – Maersk
Published: 19 September, 2024
