The Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas) on Tuesday (4 August) has called for the Hong Kong government to boost the city’s green methanol bunkering capabilities as part of its first Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030.

The company submitted its recommendations during the government’s public consultation on the plan, proposing measures to support low-carbon shipping in Hong Kong.

Among its key recommendations, Towngas proposes making full use of Hong Kong’s advantages as an international hub by improving port facilities for green methanol bunkering.

The company also urged the government to accelerate the commercialisation of green methanol and take the lead in developing an internationally aligned certification system for green fuels. 

Beyond green methanol, it also proposes establishing a new mechanism for trading green commodities, as well as expanding innovative financial instruments such as green infrastructure REITs, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a green finance and trading centre.

The recommendations form part of a broader package covering green energy transition, innovation and technology, and green finance, aimed at aligning Hong Kong’s development with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan while supporting the city’s long-term economic and environmental objectives.

Photo credit: Hong Kong and China Gas Company
Published: 5 August, 2026

MITSUI E&S on Monday (3 August) announced that Mitsui E&S DU, a group company of MITSUI E&S, has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the DU-WinGD 6X82DF-M-1.0 LP-SCR, the first methanol dual-fuel WinGD large marine engine built in Japan.

The engine is also the first WinGD large marine engine manufactured at MITSUI E&S Tamano Works.

“The engine is scheduled to be installed on the first vessel in a series of four vessels being built for a domestic shipowner,” the company said on its website. 

By utilising green methanol as fuel, it will contribute to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping operations.

“To meet the expected increase in marine engine demand under the Japanese government’s Shipbuilding Industry Revitalisation Roadmap, the MITSUI E&S Group is working to enhance production efficiency for large marine engines through integrated operation at MITSUI E&S Tamano and Mitsui E&S DU Aioi,” the company added.

Photo credit: MITSUI E&S
Published: 4 August, 2026

French shipping giant CMA CGM on Monday (3 August) said its new 15,000 TEU methanol-powered vessel, CMA CGM ROI ARTHUR, has officially been named and is ready to begin its journey at sea.

Joining the company’s REX2 service, the ship will strengthen its fleet of new-generation vessels designed to support the decarbonisation of shipping. 

“Powered by methanol, she contributes to reducing atmospheric emissions and advancing the energy transition of our industry,” the company said in a social media post. 

The vessel was welcomed by her Master, Captain Roman DIDENKO, and her godmother, Ms. Sun Lijun, Vice Chairman of Tianjin Bridge Welding Materials Group Co., Ltd. and Vice President of the Tianjin Women Entrepreneurs Association.

In January, the company announced the arrival in its fleet of its 400th owned vessel, the CMA CGM MONTE CRISTO, the first in a series of six methanol container ships.

The Group is preparing to operate, by 2031, around 200 dual-fuel LNG and methanol container ships that can be powered with low-carbon energy.

Related: CMA CGM marks 400-vessel milestone as methanol-powered boxship joins fleet

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 4 August, 2026