Stolthaven Terminals, through its joint venture Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal (Stolthaven Lingang), on Thursday (12 June) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Itochu Corporation to collaborate on storage and logistics solutions for green methanol.

This strategic partnership will focus on supporting the growing demand for low-carbon fuels through the development of a methanol bunkering system and enhancing methanol export capabilities.

Stolthaven Lingang has world-class terminal infrastructure and a strategic location in the Tianjin Lingang Industrial Zone in China. Through this MoU with Itochu, Stolthaven Lingang will seek to strengthen the supply chain infrastructure needed for alternative fuels.

Methanol is emerging as a viable marine fuel due to its lower carbon intensity and existing ease of handling, and the development of methanol bunkering services is expected to serve the increasing demand from the shipping sector.

Selenna Xu, general manager, Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal says: “This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step in building a green energy storage and transportation ecosystem in Northern China. By combining our terminal network and service innovation with Itochu’s global expertise, we aim to drive forward the development of a green energy hub for the region, with export capabilities beyond China.”

Satoshi Tojo, general manager at Itochu Corporation comments: “Itochu Corporation is committed to advancing the green methanol value chain through strategic partnerships and innovation. By leveraging our extensive global network and expertise in the energy and chemicals sectors, we are well-positioned to significantly contribute to the transition towards cleaner fuels.”

Photo credit: Stolthaven Terminals
Published: 13 June 2025

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Wednesday (11 June) said a survey found 77% of shipowners and operators now consider achieving net zero a high priority in their strategy, up from 73% two years ago.

This was among the findings of the second edition of the Global Maritime Decarbonisation Survey, jointly conducted by GCMD and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) between October 2024 and February 2025.

The survey gathered 114 responses from shipowners and operators across a range of vessel types, fleet sizes, and regions. While the survey was conducted before the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MEPC 83 session in April, its findings already reflected sustained commitment across the industry. The outcomes of MEPC 83—introducing new regulatory targets and incentives—are expected to reinforce these ambitions and further accelerate momentum.

Survey results show that 60% of respondents have now set net-zero targets (up from 54%), while the use of bio-blended fuels has more than doubled to 46%, and methanol use has increased from 3% to 6%. However, uptake of more nascent technologies—such as ammonia, wind-assisted propulsion systems, solar panels, super-light ships, and air lubrication—remains limited.

The survey also reflects the industry’s desire for policies and regulations to create a level playing field. Nearly three-quarters of respondents identified either compliance measures or financial incentives as the most important policy objectives. A level playing field will ensure that early adopters are not competitively disadvantaged on cost and stakeholders with limited resources can benefit from financial support to overcome economic barriers.

The survey also gathered insights from key bunkering ports, whose support is critical for maritime decarbonisation. Most surveyed ports have roadmaps and dedicated teams focused on initiatives to facilitate maritime decarbonisation, and all of them, namely Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Port of Long Beach, Port of New York and New Jersey, Port of Rotterdam, and Port of Singapore, offer green incentives. 

A significant concern for ports, however, is the lack of demand certainty from shipping companies for both low-carbon fuels and Onboard Carbon Capture Systems (OCCS). This ‘chicken-and-egg’ dilemma hinders ports to take on the investment decision to develop the requisite infrastructure, though the recently introduced GHG pricing mechanism is expected to strengthen demand signals for low-carbon fuels.

Dr Sanjay C Kuttan, Chief Strategy Officer of GCMD, said, “Positive developments in maritime policy, especially from the IMO, which further tighten limits on GHG emissions, along with the increased ambitions voiced by survey respondents, are encouraging signals. Greater cooperation with the ports and pertinent stakeholders across the various value chains will be required to address challenges across the broader ecosystem. With the right investments and collaborative actions, the maritime industry can chart a course to a future where sustainable decarbonisation and commercial success can co-exist.

Anand Veeraraghavan, Managing Director and Senior Partner of BCG, said, “It is encouraging to see that even in the face of global uncertainties, the maritime industry’s decarbonisation ambitions remain intact and steadfast. The recent MEPC outcomes mark a pivotal step forward, sharpening demand signals with incentives for exceeding compliance goals and penalty mechanisms for shortfalls. Now is the time for the industry—both ships and ports—to build on this momentum.

Note: The second edition of the GCMD–BCG Global Maritime Decarbonisation Survey report can be viewed here. 

Photo credit: Lukas Blazek on Unsplash
Published: 12 June, 2025

A new report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) on Thursday (5 June) has identified six Brazilian ports as candidate hubs for renewable marine fuel bunkering. 

The report analysed the readiness of Brazilian ports to support the production, bunkering, and deployment of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives, such as renewable ammonia and renewable methanol, laying the groundwork for establishing green shipping corridors.

Three are public ports—Santos, Rio Grande, and Itaqui—and three are privately owned ports—Pecem, Navegantes, and Porto do Açu. Santos, the largest port in Latin America, ranked high in four out of the five criteria assessed for readiness, though it had only a moderate level of commitment to decarbonisation due to a lack of ongoing or planned offshore wind projects. 

Porto do Açu and Itaqui scored high on all criteria except for access to potential offshore wind energy. Public ports generally scored higher than private ports, especially for their infrastructure, strategic location, and connectivity. On a scale of 1 to 5, the six candidates chosen for further assessment had weighted scores that ranged from 3.5 to 4.4.

Based on 2023 ship traffic, the report also identified 10 routes connecting the six candidates to both the domestic market and key international markets. Among the 10 sample routes moving key commodities, including iron ore and container cargo, between the candidate ports and ports around the world, the report estimated that five routes could be completed with direct use of renewable liquid hydrogen in a fuel cell without refuelling en route. The report found all routes could be completed without refuelling if ships use renewable hydrogen-derived ammonia and methanol in internal combustion engines. 

To successfully complete all 10 routes, with at least one ship on each route, a total energy of 1,785 tonnes of hydrogen is required if the minimum consumption of renewable fuel is considered across all routes. 

“Conversely, if we look at the maximum consumption of renewable fuel for all 10 routes, the total energy requirement is 1,911 tonnes. This translates to a demand for renewable electricity of 82 to 92 GWh,” the report said.

ICCT said the pre-feasibility assessment demonstrates the significant potential of Brazilian ports to serve as renewable marine fuel hubs, offering both economic and environmental benefits. 

“By quantifying the potential bunkering demand and analysing port readiness, this study provides a guideline for future investments and policy initiatives aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of maritime shipping,” it added.

Note: The full report titled ‘The potential of Brazilian ports as renewable marine fuel bunkering hubs’ can be found here. 

Photo credit: Jeff Doria on Unsplash
Published: 12 June, 2025