China’s first methanol bunkering vessel starts operation after equipment retrofit
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by Admin
China’s first methanol bunkering ship Hai Gang Zhi Yuan on Saturday (13 January) arrived at Shanghai Port after completing an equipment retrofit.
The 16000m³ ship, formerly known as Jiuli 668, arrived at Zhoushan Putuo Changhong Shipbuilding Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Zhoushan ChangHong International Shipyard Co Ltd, on 22 September 2023 for the retrofit. The process took 113 days and the ship was equipped with an advanced methanol fuel system.
The bunkering vessel is owned by Shanghai SIPG Energy Services Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SIPG Group. The ship has a total length of 139.98 metres, a molded depth of 11.2 metres, and a molded width of 20.2 metres.
The ship is not only capable of transporting methanol but also capable of ship-to-ship bunkering operations while loading and unloading containers, saving turnaround time of international liners at ports.
In an exclusive interview last year, Chris Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer at Methanol Institute, told Manifold Times, credible business opportunities are available for ‘first movers’ of methanol bunkering due to expected deliveries of methanol-fuelled vessels from 2024.
Methanol Institute, which serves as the trade association for the global methanol industry, estimated low barriers of entry for a bunkering firm to start methanol marine refuelling operations, compared to other alternative fuels.
“Estimates to convert an 8,000 to 10,000 dwt bunkering vessel for methanol bunkering have been pegged at less than EUR 100,000 (USD 108,000),” highlighted Chatterton at the time.
Disclaimer: The above article published by Manifold Times was sourced from China’s domestic market through a local correspondent. While considerable efforts have been taken to verify its accuracy through a professional translator and processed from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty is made regarding the accuracy, completeness and reliability of any information.
Photo credit: Zhoushan ChangHong International Shipyard Co Ltd
Published: 17 January, 2024
