NYK Line, on Thursday (17 September) with Japan Marine United Corporation, Nihon Shipyard Co Ltd, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, and Kokuka Sangyo Co Ltd, has completed the world’s first ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering operation to an ammonia-fuelled vessel. 

At a quay within Japan Marine United Corporation’s Ariake Shipyard, ammonia fuel was transferred from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru via the STS method to an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) scheduled for delivery in November 2026. 

The operation was conducted in preparation for sea trials of the AFMGC using fuel ammonia.

“This achievement represents an important initiative that has put into practice an operation essential for the future practical deployment of ammonia-fuelled vessels,” the company said. 

The bunkering operation was conducted following extensive discussions among the companies involved. Safe operating procedures and work processes were established prior to the operation, enabling the transfer to be completed safely. Through this initiative, we have accumulated practical insights regarding safe fuel supply operations.

This operation serves as a pioneering example of the fuel-supply framework that will be required for the widespread adoption of ammonia-fuelled vessels. 

The AFMGC is currently in the final stage of construction and is scheduled for delivery in November 2026. 

“The successful completion of this operation marks a significant milestone toward the broader commercial use of fuel ammonia and the practical deployment of ammonia-fuelled vessels. It also represents an important step forward in establishing an ammonia supply chain,” the company added. 

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 21 September, 2026

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd (PIL) on Thursday (10 September) said its newest 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel Kota Elan made its maiden call in Singapore on 4 September. 

In a social media post, PIL said a ceremony was held on board the vessel where representatives from PSA Singapore presented a commemorative plaque to the Master of Kota Elan, Captain Thanabalan Govindaraju, marking its inaugural call at one of the world’s busiest and most connected ports.

The company said Kota Elan is currently operating on PIL’s East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route that connects Asia with South America. 

The vessel is now on its way to Brazil, before calling at Uruguay and Argentina, and then finally returning to Asia.

“As one of the latest additions to our growing fleet of greener vessels, Kota Elan reflects PIL’s commitment to building a more sustainable future for shipping through cleaner and more efficient operations,” the company said.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 11 September, 2026

Clean energy equipment and services provider CIMC Enric on Monday (7 September) said China’s first green methanol bunkering operation for a bulk carrier was completed at Guangzhou anchorage.

The company said the bunkering operation also marked the first bio-methanol STS bunkering operation at Guangzhou Port.

A total of 1,021 metric tonnes (mt) of bio-methanol was supplied ship-to-ship (STS) to the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier.

The operation was completed on 6 September by China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers Co Ltd’s Da Qing 268, which carried bio-methanol produced at CIMC Enric’s green methanol facility in Zhanjiang.

The successful operation in Guangzhou, following previous green methanol bunkering operations in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, means that Guangdong-produced bio-based methanol has established a supply network across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The company said the development connects the production, storage, transportation and bunkering segments of the green methanol supply chain, moving the region beyond individual pilot projects towards coordinated operations across the Greater Bay Area.

CIMC Enric described its Zhanjiang green methanol facility as China’s first commercial-scale bio-methanol production plant.

Since beginning production, the Zhanjiang facility has maintained a stable production and delivery schedule, supplying bio-based methanol to major ports across China, with delivery volumes continuing to increase, according to the company.

The first phase of the facility has an annual production capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes (mt), while its methanol products have a carbon emission reduction rate of more than 85%, CIMC Enric said.

The products have also obtained ISCC EU sustainability certification, with the company saying their specifications meet international requirements for shipping decarbonisation and can support the low-carbon operation of vessels.

Photo credit: CIMC Enric
Published: 9 September, 2026